Learning English - A Personal Journey

Learning English – A Personal Journey

Kevin Crittenden  version 02May13

The purpose of this handout is to help you clarify your thinking about your study of the English language.  Ponder these questions and see what answers arise.  The only “right” answer is the one that resonates within you – the one that “feels” right.

I feel that my skills in English are______________________

I feel this way because __________________________

Am I feeling unsure of the best way to continue my learning or am I confident in my path?

If people tell me that my English is pretty good, do I believe them or do I just think that they are being polite?

What are my goals for learning English?  When will I reach the point at which I truly believe that my English is good enough? 

Are my English skills good enough to get a job in an English speaking environment?

Am I interested in improving just my conversational skills or just my writing skills or both?

What activities help me the most in learning English?

If I am not doing these activities, what things or attitudes are stopping me?

Are there times when I enjoy speaking English?   If so, what are the circumstances in which this happens? 

Similarly, are there times when I hate speaking English?  If so, what are the circumstances in which this happens?

What strategies can I devise to help me improve my English?  Are there other people who will support me?

Possible Roadblocks (What Can Be Done With These?)

Fear

English speakers can’t understand me which causes me to doubt myself        

I’ll never be able to get a job using English

People get impatient or angry with me and I can’t think of the right words

I’m afraid to ask questions

I’m afraid to ask for clarification from someone who talks too fast

I’m too old to learn anymore

I’m afraid to use the telephone 

Lack of Progress

I don’t seem to be getting any better and I feel bad about myself

Lack of Materials

I don’t know where to get helpful materials.  The newspaper is too difficult and we don’t subscribe to it anyway.

What books are best to try to read?

Lack of Time

I have so much to take care of that I can’t practice my English

I don’t have time to read newspapers or read books

The only time I can practice English is during the ESL Conversation class

Lack of Motivation

I don’t know how long I’ll be in the U.S. – my English is good enough

I have enough friends who speak my native language and it is so much easier to speak with them. 

I’ll ensure that my children learn my native language so that I’ll always be able to talk with them.

Censure from others

People look at me strangely when I speak English. 

Some people are very impatient with me; they sometime correct my pronunciation.

Lack of Support

My spouse doesn’t want English spoken at home

My group of friends doesn’t feel that it is important to learn English

My children make fun of the way I speak.