Tips to help achieve your language learning resolutions

ÃÛÌÒapp Languages
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Reading time: 4 minutes

Welcome to the beginning of a new year, filled with countless possibilities and exciting opportunities for learning a new language. If you're like most people, you probably have some language learning resolutions and goals you'd like to achieve this year.

While setting these goals is easy, sticking to them can appear daunting. But don't worry, we¡¯re here to help you not only set those goals but also achieve them like a pro. Below are some useful tips to help turn your language aspirations into reality this year and to keep you motivated towards your goals.

Tips to help acheive your language learning resolutions
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Have clear and specific goals

Having very broad goals can make it hard to track progress and stay motivated. Start by setting precise and achievable language learning goals. Instead of a vague "I want to learn Spanish," aim for something specific like "I want to hold a 10-minute conversation in Spanish by June". This way, you'll have a clear idea of what you're working towards and be able to track your progress more effectively.

Break it down

Large tasks can be intimidating; divide your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if you aim to learn 500 new words this year, break it down into a monthly or weekly target. By doing this, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and make steady progress toward your ultimate objective. Breaking down large tasks into smaller ones can also help you identify any potential roadblocks or challenges that may arise along the way.

Keep it consistent

Consistency is key to building any habit or skill. Establish a study routine that fits your schedule. Whether it's dedicating 30 minutes every day or longer sessions a few times a week, find what works for you and stick to it. Creating an overly ambitious study routine can lead to burnout, and that could eventually cause you to lose interest and motivation. So it's crucial to pace yourself and keep your routine manageable.

Explore different resources

Explore different language learning resources that fit your learning style and keep your study sessions engaging. Experiment with language learning apps such as ?or to build your vocabulary. You can also use language exchange platforms like ?to practice speaking, watch YouTube channels and listen to podcasts to immerse yourself in the language.

Broaden horizons

It's important not to rely solely on textbooks while learning a new language. You can also enhance your language skills by watching movies, listening to music or podcasts, reading books, comics or articles, and following social media accounts in your target language. Even if you have the radio playing in the background while doing everyday tasks, it can help you immerse yourself in the language and improve your understanding.

Language companions and communities

Join language exchange groups or find a study partner. Engaging with others on the same journey can motivate and keep you accountable. There are groups on social media you can discover or free apps like to find like-minded language learners.

Keep track

Document your language learning journey by tracking milestones, word count and speaking progress. Reflect on progress to stay motivated.

It's important to track your progress to stay motivated and achieve your goals. This can involve keeping a record of milestones you reach, such as mastering a new grammatical concept or learning a certain number of vocabulary words. Tracking your word count can also be helpful, whether it's the number of new words you learn or the amount of time you spend practicing your language skills.

Reflecting on your progress can also help you identify areas you need to improve and adjust your learning strategy accordingly. Having a record of your learning can be a great motivator on days when your drive to learn is low or if you're considering quitting. You can look back and see how far you've come already.

Be kind to yourself

Learning a new language takes time, effort and patience. Accept mistakes as part of the process, stay positive and avoid being too hard on yourself.

Remember that everyone has good and bad days, and that obstacles are a normal part of the learning journey. Don't give up, keep pushing forward and you will see progress. You can achieve your language learning goals with dedication, practice and determination.

Treat yourself

Celebrate your achievements along the way. Treat yourself when you reach milestones to stay motivated and encouraged. It can help your brain associate learning with positive things.

Remember, celebrating your achievements doesn't have to be grand or costly. It can be as simple as treating yourself to something you enjoy, such as your favorite snack or drink. Alternatively, you could take some time to relax and unwind or even go for a walk outside and enjoy the fresh air. Whatever you enjoy doing.

Keep things flexible

Language learning isn't a one-size-fits-all process. What worked for your friend or classmate might not work for you. Be flexible with your approach. If a particular learning method isn't working for you, don't hesitate to switch it up. Learning is about finding what works best for you.

These don't have to be huge changes. It could be something as small as changing the presentation of your notes or even changing the color for it to be easier to read. Everyone is unique in what they work best with.?

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With these tips in mind and a little hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your language learning goals and make sure to stay on track. So, are you ready to take your language skills to new heights in 2024?

If you need a little guidance or inspiration, make sure to check out our language learning blog throughout the year, as well as our language learning app?, to help keep you working on your language goals.

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    Balancing work, life, and learning: How adult learners navigate English language learning

    By Dr. Le Dinh Bao Quoc
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    Dr. Quoc is an author, educational solutions provider and AIED expert with over 20 years of experience in ELT and education in Vietnam. He is the Founder and CEO of Pro.Ed Education Solutions and Chief Officer of EduVerse, a global network supporting lifelong learning for educators. Dr. Quoc is also the author of The Art and Science of ChatGPT in Education and was named a LinkedIn Top Educational Leadership Voice in 2024. His work focuses on integrating AI into education to support personalized and flexible learning for teachers and learners.

    For many adult learners, mastering English isn¡¯t just about gaining a new skill¡ªit¡¯s about unlocking opportunities in work, family and social spheres. But juggling English lessons alongside work, family obligations and social commitments is a challenge that can feel overwhelming.

    This guide explores the unique challenges adult learners face and how educators can support them with empathy, flexibility and effective strategies.

    The challenges of learning English as an adult

    Meet Le, a 35-year-old Vietnamese project manager who dreams of working for an international company. With a demanding full-time job and two young children, finding time for English lessons feels impossible. Missing classes and struggling to complete assignments leads to frustration and self-doubt¡ªan all-too-common experience among adult learners.

    Many adults face similar challenges:

    • Balancing work, family and personal commitments leaves little time and energy for study.
    • Fatigue after a long day makes it difficult to concentrate or retain information.
    • Progress feels slow, which can be demotivating.

    Without practical support, the goal of English proficiency can seem out of reach.

    Strategies for overcoming challenges

    1. Setting SMART Goals

    Educators can guide learners to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Breaking down larger objectives into small, measurable milestones gives learners a sense of achievement. For example, ÃÛÌÒapp¡¯s Global Scale of English (GSE) provides actionable ¡°Can-do¡± statements, such as:

    • Reading (GSE 37/CEFR A2+): Can understand simple personal emails.
    • Speaking (GSE 44/CEFR B1): Can give a short talk with visual support.

    These manageable goals create motivation and help learners like Le stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

    2. Offering flexible learning options

    Flexibility is key for adult learners. Teachers can adopt strategies such as:

    • Modular lessons that can be completed in short sessions.
    • Micro-learning, including 10-minute daily practices using apps or quick grammar exercises.

    For learners like Le, micro-learning can easily be integrated into a work commute or lunch break.

    3. Blending learning with real-world scenarios

    Teaching English through practical, real-life contexts makes lessons more relevant and efficient. Using authentic materials like emails, meeting notes, or presentations mirrors learners¡¯ daily lives and creates immediate applications for their new skills. For instance:

    • Help learners role-play workplace conversations.
    • Develop speaking proficiency for social interactions or workplace scenarios.

    This approach saves time and reinforces the usefulness of learning English, keeping learners motivated.

    4. Encouraging weekly reflection

    Reflection allows learners to monitor their progress, stay motivated and adapt their strategies. Teachers can:

    • Encourage learners to set weekly goals (e.g., learning new business vocabulary or practicing pronunciation for 15 minutes daily).
    • Use reflection journals to track achievements, identify challenges and adjust learning plans.

    This habit reinforces a growth mindset, helping learners make consistent progress amidst their busy schedules.

    Implementing the strategies

    Here¡¯s how educators can apply these strategies effectively:

    1. Assess and set goals

    Work with learners to set realistic, measurable goals based on their personal motivations and schedules.

    2. Create flexible study plans

    Develop personalized study schedules that incorporate modular lessons and micro-learning techniques.

    3. Use authentic materials

    Include sample emails, presentations, or conversations that align with the learner¡¯s work or life situations, making lessons more practical.

    4. Encourage accountability

    Implement tools like reflective journals or digital reminders to help learners stay on track and see their progress.

    5. Leverage personalized AI tools

    Use AI-powered tools to recommend tailored exercises, provide instant feedback and enable targeted practice in learners¡¯ focus areas.

    Why It matters

    English proficiency opens doors to better job opportunities, stronger social connections and enriched personal growth. By providing empathetic and flexible support, teachers empower learners to achieve their goals without compromising their work-life balance.
    For educators seeking further resources, ÃÛÌÒapp¡¯s GSE framework offers valuable tools to help adult learners succeed. Teachers can use these aids to track progress and personalize lessons for maximum impact.

    Celebrate education

    To mark the incredible work of educators helping learners balance work, life and study, we encourage you to share your own experiences and tips to others. Together, we can continue to empower lifelong learning and celebrate the role of education in transforming lives.