How to learn English best
How to learn English best? Discover your Learning Style.
Are you an English learner who finds it challenging to gain proficiency in the language?
I have you covered!
If you want to become a successful learner, follow me in this post, and I will share my tips and strategies that have helped me study English faster and more effectively.
Just continue reading.
Let me start from the beginning.
I studied at George Brown College in Toronto in the Small Business Entrepreneurship Program. I had two challenges to face – my academic level of English and the high requirements of the courses I was taking.
In my class, I had classmates from all over the world, as well as native English speakers.
Can you imagine what a challenge it was for us non-natives?
The language barrier is a huge obstacle to overcome.
It was a difficult time for all of us, to be honest.
Courses like Accounting, Business Law, and Finance contain a lot of specific terminologies that students need to learn and understand.
Believe me. Not an easy task, even for the natives.
I felt lost.
I hear you asking, “What did you do to fix this problem.”.
Well, I started looking for resources to help me deal with it.
Fortunately, colleges and universities offer many services to support students’ studies.
I was taking one of the electives available for undergraduate students and that’s when I discovered VARK theory – the 4 different learning styles that explain how we process and understand new information.
What is the VARK system?
Although educators have known for centuries that no learning style fits all students, scientists have conducted research to understand the way students learn new information best, just in recent years.
In 1987, educational theorist Neil Fleming created the VARK learning style. Named the VARK model of learning,
The acronym “VARK” stands for
Visual
Aural/Auditory
Read and Write and
Kinesthetic
I learned that understanding your preferred learning style can help non-native English speakers determine how best to approach their studies and make more effective use of their study time.
Additionally, you can use VARK to identify your learning style and find study strategies that you can use to improve your learning.
Visual Learning Style
According to the VARK system, Visual Learners learn best by seeing. They would prefer to see information presented in a visually appealing way, rather than in a written format.
In terms of learning, graphic displays are most effective for visual learners. Some of these include:
- Flashcards
- Posters
- Photographs
- Infographics
- Charts, illustrations, graphs, and diagrams
- Animated videos, documentaries, and other learning shows
- Demonstrations
- Paper hand-outs with lots of images
- Mind mapping
- Vision boards
How do visual learners learn English best?
We can see that Visual learning involves using diagrams, mind mapping, or other visual tools to help break down the material and make it more understandable.
Additionally, writing out key concepts in your own words and creating flashcards with key terms are also effective strategies for us to use.
Next, visuals like the one I mentioned above help to understand new information because they allow us to see how all the pieces fit together, making it much easier to remember the facts.
Visualizing concepts can also help non-native English speakers better understand how terms and concepts relate to each other, which is especially helpful when discussing abstract topics like grammar or literature.
Furthermore, suppose non-native English speakers are struggling with comprehension. In that case, visual aids can assist by providing a visual representation of new information which may be easier to interpret than text alone.
Thus, non-native English speakers can benefit greatly from utilizing visual learning techniques and learning best.
Here is a video for you to help you understand what I just wrote.
Kidding
Here is a screenshot of the video
Aural/Auditory learning style
According to the VARK system, Aural/ Auditory – learners tend to learn information best by hearing it.
some of the best ways to study which benefit aural learners include:
- Lectures
- Large classroom environments, where teachers/professors present information
- Listening to podcasts
- You Tube
- Audiobooks or class recordings
- Personal, one-on-one teaching where new information can be talked through
How do Aural/Auditory learners learn English best?
According to the VARK theory, auditory learners prefer to listen to others present the information.
Also, some learners find that reading information out loud to themselves can help them recall it better.
Thus, they can benefit from repeating the lessons, having recordings of the lectures, group activities that require classmates to explain ideas, etc.
My results in VARK showed that I am not primarily an auditory learner, but I use some of their techniques and strategies that I find helpful.
For example, I like to study in a quiet place. I have created my own space and named it Maggie’s Study Den, away from distractions and other noises that might disturb me while I practice. I designed it to my taste and added decorations and greenery to make me feel comfortable and relaxed. It is how I study best!
Reading/ Writing Learning Style
How do Reading/Writing learners learn English best?
According to the VARK system, Reading /Writing Learners tend to benefit most from reading and writing about new information.
To them, the text is more powerful than any kind of visual or auditory representation of an idea.
Learners who get the primary result for reading and writing learning styles tend to absorb new information best when presented in words and text. They often make lists, read definitions, and like to summarize information in whatever way makes the most sense to them.
In this way, reading and writing learners tend to understand and memorize new information best by:
- Reading textbooks and summarising with notes
- Making lists
- Read definitions
- Writing notes in class and highlighting important details
- Creating presentations
- Story-writing and getting creative with their notes
- Blogging
Bonus Tip:
Check out my blog post to get more tips on how to blog as a non-native English speaker.
Also, check my Basic English lesson series and my tips on how to implement your learning style in your daily learning routine:
English Basic Lesson: How to Greet in Everyday Conversations
How to Master English Greetings by Hands-On Learning Activities
Festive Greetings: Funny ways to Boost your English Vocabulary
Kinesthetic Learning Style
How do Kinesthetic learners learn English best?
According to the VARK system, Kinesthetic Learners learn best by practically touching and doing things.
The best way to present new information to a kinesthetic learner is through personal experience, practice, examples, or simulations. For instance, they can remember an experiment by recreating it themselves.
They are most engaged while moving, therefore it makes sense to try to incorporate activity into studying, even if it’s for a subject that requires a more traditional note-taking approach.
Some study methods kinesthetic learners can try to learn the best include:
- Conducting experiments and constructing projects
- Doing a ‘physical’ activity whilst learning – e.g. walking and reading a textbook or bouncing a tennis ball while reciting information
- Creating flashcards and being tested by a friend or classmate
- Taking regular breaks while studying to stretch their legs
- Roleplay
- Pairing/grouping activities
- Projects
- Debates
- Games
Multi-modal learners and how they learn English best
Learners who don’t have a strong preference for one particular learning style may fall into this category.
Some multi-modal learners are flexible. They feel comfortable with multiple learning styles and can easily switch from one learning style to another and achieve their learning goal faster and more effectively.
Others are not so flexible. They need inputs or outputs from all their preferred learning styles before they can make a decision, and figure it all out.
Hey, dear readers! How is your day going? I would love to have you on my website. It’s called English Study Helper and it is where you can find tips, strategies, and resources on how to improve your English faster and more effectively. Hope to see you there!
What type of learning style am I? How do I learn English best?
To identify and understand what type of learner people are, Fleming developed a self-report inventory that presents a series of scenarios. Individuals select from a multiple-choice selection of answers the one that best describes their preferred approach to learning.
At the end of the questionnaire, your scores for each learning style are added up. The learning style that you selected the most when answering is then considered to be your learning preference.
Example VARK Question
When using the Internet I like:
V) interesting design and visual features.
A) audio channels where I can listen to podcasts or interviews.
R) interesting written descriptions, lists, and explanations.
K) videos showing how to do or make things.
Why is the VARK system helpful for people who want to know how to study English best?
The main advantage of the VARK system is that you can tailor your behavior to best personalize your learning.
Individualized learning will benefit you the most as it will consider your specific strengths, needs, and abilities.
So don’t be afraid to take the first step — discovering your learning style can be the key to unlocking your English learning success.
Once you have identified your preferred learning style, you can start to build on it and make it even more effective.
For example, if you are a visual learner, you can use flashcards or other visual aids to help you learn. If you are an auditory learner, you can listen to English podcasts or practice your conversation with a language partner.
Based on my experience I can say that no matter what your learning style is, there is always a way to make it work for you. All it takes is a bit of self-reflection and experimentation to find out what works best for you!
Disadvantages of the VARK learning system
Although the VARK learning system is widely recognized as a tool that helps students better understand themselves and direct their learning, it has also faced some criticism.
Is that system really helping students to find out how they learn English best?
What is the main concern?
It comes from the limitation when you classify your learning into only four learning styles.
As a student, I was introduced to the VARK system, and I did apply its strategies in many ways.
It works for sure, but there are so many other things that you need to consider.
For example:
What if you’re having trouble learning a particular subject with a particular learning style?
Instead of believing that another approach might work better, you might feel like you don’t understand the information. This happens often.
Or what if the traditional VARK model doesn’t suit you?
How can I be an “effective” learner if I don’t necessarily fit a particular style?
Don’t panic!
After completing the self-assessment, you may find yourself selecting multiple answers to multiple-choice questions.
What to do?
Be aware that learners often benefit from multiple learning styles.
VARK’s learning styles are a great way to get a better idea of how best to learn, but it’s worth experimenting with different learning methods to see which one works best for you.
It is important.
Experimenting with combinations can not only improve your focus and motivation to learn but also make you a more effective learner by spending time on the activities that impact you the most.
It will be fair to say that The VARK system is not a magic wand. It is a helpful tool for sure, but you need to implement it wisely in your studies.
At least to be aware of its limitations.
And trust me, I know the struggle is REAL!
Find some more tips here:
Better Language Skills for Overcoming Communication Anxiety
Stand Out with Strong Language Skills: Read, Read, Read
Pleasant Reads for Language Growth and Vocabulary Extension
7 Useful Tips For Non-Native English Bloggers
7 Ways to Improve Your Written English Through Blogging
Boost your English-speaking confidence in 8 Easy Ways
Tried-and-True Ways to Express Yourself Better in English Writing
How to Elevate Your Communication with English Power Words
7 Smart Ways to Conquer Confusing Words. Expert Tasted
How to learn English best?
Are you still with me?
Perfect!
We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the VART learning system so far. Correct?
Ok. Let’s see how you will answer this question: How to learn English best?
What did you say?
If you ask me, I think It would be wrong to say that a particular learning style is the best, given that everyone has their own way of learning. Right?
At the same time, understanding what type of learner you are is essential, as it is one of the main factors in your success.
How to do this?
I would suggest: trying all four learning methods and then deciding which one is the most beneficial.
Once you know which style suits you, customize your learning plan.
From my experience as a non-native English speaker student, I can tell you this:
You have to consider more than one factor that can affect how you learn best.
It includes the environment, cognitive and emotional status, etc.
However, you can learn faster and more effectively if you discover and understand your learning style. Period.
This is especially important in the current situation, where students have had to adapt to find a new ‘normal’ of learning, with many finding themselves learning from home.
It has never been more important for students to leverage this independence and discover the most effective ways to continue learning in the years ahead.
Finally, keep in mind that the reality of today’s world is that you need to reach your learning goals in less time. The key, dear readers, is to discover how you learn best and tailor your learning plan according to your preferences.
Learning a language is a long and challenging journey and the results are not coming through magic.
Here are four tips to help you learn best:
- Be proactive.
Start by doing some research about how to learn English best. This will help you figure out what methods work best for you. - Learn in Multiple Ways.
For example instead of using multimedia resources such as watching English videos and listening to English music (which can help you learn vocabulary and grammar faster and is auditory learning) rehearse the information verbally and visually.
This might involve describing what you learned to a classmate, teaching someone, taking notes, or drawing a mind map. Learning in multiple ways allows you to further consolidate knowledge in your mind. - Be flexible.
Don’t be afraid to try new methods of learning. If something isn’t working, try something else until you find a method that works for you. - Stick with it.
Keep at it even if you don’t feel like you’re making progress. With time, you will eventually improve your English skills.
Are you still with me?
Perfect!
Because you don’t want to miss this one!
The time has come to tell you about how I used the multiple learning styles model and how I graduated with honors from my Small Business Entrepreneurship Program.
As a non-native speaker, I first had to focus on improving my academic English.
I took courses designed to teach students how to be more successful in their studies. What I learned in these lessons was eye-opening.
Here are my tips on How to study English best, based on my experience:
Imagine that your goal to become fluent in English is a fortress that you want to overtake. The best way to do it is to attack it simultaneously from all sides.
Visual
Here is what I did:
Tips:
- Pin DIY studying posters, flashcards, posters, and learning boards on the walls of your house, and on the fridge in your kitchen.
- Since flashcards are small and easy to carry, they’re a great way to turn “wasted” time into useful time. Check on your flashcard while on your daily commute, on a bus, or subway, or while waiting at the bus stop.
Aural/Auditory
Here is what I did:
Tips:
1. Engage in Conversation – talk with native English speakers as much as possible to get real-world practice.
2. Listen and Repeat – One of the best ways to learn English is to listen carefully and repeat what you hear.
- Audio flash card (digital): the spoken word in your language on one side, and the spoken word in English on the other. If you’re using digital tools, look for apps that can work on all your devices — phone, tablet, computer, web, etc.
Reading & Writing
Here is what I did:
Tips:
1. Take Notes – it’s always helpful to jot down notes when you encounter something new. Writing down information helps create associations between words, phrases, and concepts, thus helping you to understand the language better.
2. Read Aloud – reading aloud helps non-native English speakers become more familiar with pronunciation and word order. Read your textbook or if you have a professional note taker in the class, ask for their detailed notes from the lecture.
3. Start a learning journal.
Kinesthetic
Here is what I did:
Tip:
The Do-it-yourself (DIY) flashcard strategy was a lifesaver for me. The activity of making the cards is a part of the learning process and a great way to practice phrases you’ve heard and want to learn.
Write sentences or words on each one with your translation on the back.
Whenever you have a free moment, flip through the cards (quickly) and see what you remember. It’s a great way to test yourself.
Start with the English page that appears first and try to remember the translation in your native language.
Once you’ve learned all the cards this way, turn them over and try to remember the English when you look at the translation – it’s a little more difficult.
Based on my experience I recommend developing a learning plan and creating planners. Check out my free bundle to get some inspiration.
What happened next?
Long story short. After improving my academic English skills and learning all the specific terminology, I was able to advance very quickly and pass my courses successfully.
Where there is a will, there will be a way. Don’t you think?
English Study Tip
If you’re pressed for time, consider combining study strategies. Listen to an audiobook while you’re practicing your daily yoga routine or join a group or English classes where you can practice your new skills with others.
After reading my blog post can you guess what is my learning style?
What is yours?
Conclusion: How to learn English best? Discover your Learning Style.
In conclusion, I would say that learning English can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
The secret to success is to find out what learning style works best for you.
Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to figure out which methods work best for your individual needs.
Some people prefer to learn by reading and writing, while others get more out of listening and speaking. Some might find visual aids to be helpful, while others might prefer a hands-on approach.
Whatever your learning style is, it is important to identify it so that you can make the most of your language practice.
Once you have placed your preferred learning style, you can start to build on it and make it even more effective.
For example, if you are a visual learner, you can use flashcards or other visual aids to help you learn.
If you are an auditory learner, you can listen to English podcasts or practice your conversation with a language partner.
No matter what your learning style is, there is always a way to make it work for you. All it takes is a bit of self-reflection and experimentation to find out what works best for you!
Some are multi-modal learners. They are comfortable with multiple learning styles and can easily switch from one learning style to another and reach their learning goal faster and more efficiently.
Be flexible. Don’t be afraid to try new methods of learning.
Learning in multiple ways allows you to further consolidate knowledge in your mind.
I have some final words of encouragement for you, dear reader.
I hope this post has piqued your interest in how to learn English best. I also hope you will find my advice and tips helpful and will motivate you to explore this topic further.
Remember that you can build confidence and master your English with the help of a variety of strategies based on your preferences.
Therefore, if you are a student, who is a non-native English speaker, don’t allow that status to hold you back. With the right study habits, you can overcome the language barriers and graduate from the program with honors! Just like I did.
Good luck!
Thanks for reading!
With love and respect,
M.K.
.
