Part 21
How do I get started?
Now that we have covered the basic elements of your learning system, it's time to put it into practice. If you want to belong to the small number of people who actually succeed in learning English you need to do things at least slightly differently to the vast majority of learners who are frustrated with their results. As we have mentioned several times, the only way of learning English successfully is through constant and consistent language input. You will learn English if you live in an "English language environment". Most people think that they can only learn English if they move to an English speaking country. The truth is that a person with this kind of mind set will never learn English properly -- no matter where they live. Who prevents you from creating your own English language environment? Winners listen to English audio resources for several hours every day because that's the key to learning English. Don't fall prey to the illusion that you can learn English without being exposed to authentic spoken English for several hours every single day.
English language schools try to trick you into thinking they can teach you English in their classroom. The truth is, they can't because in an English course you are rarely exposed to authentic spoken English. At this point, you most certainly will ask: "How can I listen to English for several hours every day with my current schedule? I simply don't have the time for it!" Well, the average English learner usually finds the time and energy to spend 2 to 3 hours in an English class each week. However, how long does an English course last? Four weeks, 6 months, one year? Maybe there are some people who attend a private English class for several years -- in most cases, they quit after a few weeks because they are frustrated with the results or they can no longer afford to pay for the course.
The logical conclusion is that there must be a better way of learning English. As a winner you should be able to "integrate English" into your daily routines. The good news is that once you overcome the initial barrier, the entire process is easier than you think. As a matter of fact, if you can muster enough self-discipline to take the first step, you will be on the right way to success. Here is what you need to do.
1. Analyze the activities you undertake on a daily basis to find out which of them you could do while listening to English.
2. From your media library choose appropriate resources for each activity.
3. Create a "listening plan".
4. Follow your listening plan and start using your blog and glossary.
5. Share your learning experiences with other winners via the Internet.
If you have any English grammar or vocabulary questions,
please post them on this English Grammar Forum.
