<\/p>\n
Learning agility<\/a> has become a buzzword<\/strong><\/em><\/span> in the business world. Agile learners are able to not only learn from experience but to unlearn certain things that may have worked in the past and strive<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to find innovative solutions to problems.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, agile learners enjoy experimenting and taking risks. They regularly get out of their comfort zone and push themselves to encounter situations that they\u2019d never been in before. They\u2019re not afraid of making mistakes. On the contrary: they\u2019re mistake-positive. They ask for feedback and reflect on their actions to figure out what they should do differently next time.<\/p>\n Language learners can actually learn a lot from the example of agile learners. For example, you shouldn\u2019t be afraid to say something incorrectly: venture out<\/strong><\/em><\/span> into the world and speak English whenever you get the chance.<\/p>\n If you do make a mistake, learn from it and move on. Also don\u2019t be afraid to break your routine – if your usual language-learning app<\/a> is just no fun anymore, ditch<\/strong><\/em><\/span> it and find a completely new way that you\u2019ve never tried before.<\/p>\n For example, why not take a tour of your city or a new place in English? You could also take a photography course in English (or something else that interests you), or even find a digital pen pal to practise your language skills with. Thinking outside the box will make you a much better learner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Multitasking has a number of negative effects on learning. Even though you may think that you\u2019re being efficient and saving time by doing two or more things at once, it\u2019s likely that you\u2019re just keeping busy, but not actually getting anything done.<\/p>\n We may not realise it, but multitasking compromises our focus and productivity. It can even affect our brain health! Research shows<\/a> that regular multitaskers spread their attention so thin that it actually becomes more and more difficult for their brains to switch from one task to the other. They have trouble understanding relevant information – their cognitive<\/strong><\/em><\/span> processes are impaired<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n Instead of trying to focus on several things at the same time, concentrate only on the task you\u2019re doing – and try to do it as efficiently and correctly as possible. Don\u2019t let any distractions (especially of the digital kind!) snap you out of your flow. Control your focus and you will see results quickly. And who knows, by the end of the day, you may even have some extra time on your hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some people like to say that they\u2019re \u201cthe visual type\u201d, but the truth is, all humans are. Our brains evolved to respond to visual cues<\/strong><\/em><\/span> and remember shapes and colours to a fascinating extent. Which is why drawing may be the fastest and most effective way to learn<\/a>.<\/p>\n Drawing is very stimulating. It gives your brain a lot of different ways to engage with information. When you\u2019re about to span style=”color: #008000;”>doodle<\/strong><\/em>, you have to first picture the object in your mind, figure out how to draw it and then look at a visual representation of it. It\u2019s much more effective than other visual tricks, such as using highlighters and flashcards.<\/p>\n So next time you’re trying to learn a new word or remember an important grammar rule, attach a doodle to it! You can use a piece of paper and colour pencils, or, if you promise you won\u2019t get distracted, you can use an iPad and create digital drawings, too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The activities you engage in during your free time, when you\u2019re not explicitly trying to learn, can benefit your mental performance, too. Instead of watching a TV show that requires zero effort, try playing a game that challenges your mind.<\/p>\n There are several brain-exercising boardgames<\/a> that you can enjoy with friends and family. Some, like Codenames<\/a>, are especially useful for language learners.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not interested in board games, you can download super fun and challenging games such as Lumosity<\/a> to your mobile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We don\u2019t mean to sound like your mum telling you to tidy your room, but listen. All those photocopies, torn-out pages of textbooks, notes scribbled half-heartedly on the back of a napkin?<\/p>\n Clutter on your desk translates directly into clutter in your brain. Use folders, binders, stickers, paperclips, post-its or whatever you want to turn the chaos into order. Knowing where you are in the learning process and where you store all the information that you need to come back to can be tremendously helpful when learning a new language.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll thank yourself when you\u2019re revising for an exam. You may also notice things you didn\u2019t quite understand before start to add up.<\/p>\n —<\/p>\n Need more tips to start the new school year on the right note? Check out our post on the 10 Characteristics of a Good Language Learner<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to supercharge your English learning this year, come and do a level test<\/a> at Oxford House and find out which course is best for you<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n Buzzword (n):<\/strong>:<\/em><\/span> a commonly used or trending phrase.<\/p>\n Strive (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> make an effort to achieve something.<\/p>\n Venture out (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> do something risky or adventurous.<\/p>\n Ditch (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> get rid of something.<\/p>\n Cognitive (adj):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> relating to the mental process of acquiring knowledge.<\/p>\n Impaired (adj):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> damaged.<\/p>\n Cue (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a visual or auditory signal.<\/p>\n Doodle (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a scribble or drawing.<\/p>\n Key<\/strong><\/p>\n n = noun<\/p>\n v = verb<\/p>\n2. Stop multitasking<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
\n![\"5](\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/doodle.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Start doodling<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
4. Play brain games<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
5. Be organised<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
Glossary for Language Learners<\/strong><\/h1>\n