As a student you have formative English language learning materials from schools. But as you progress through textbooks and tests, there are still challenges and common mistakes you encounter. English is a tongue-twister, especially when it’s not your first language.

Right now you might be struggling with grammar, vocabulary, and correct pronunciation. Fret not, you are not alone. Through this article we will oversee the challenges and mistakes, and also some tips on how to tackle it.

Lack of Clear Goals

Lacking clear goals and directions to English language learning is mostly our kryptonite. Sometimes we are impatient and prone to perfectionism. It is impossible to do anything without clear goals.

In the beginning, you must at least know which area you want to improve. Is it grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation? Define the steps. Ask yourself what’s possible in the span of time you have.

Start asking these questions to sharpen your learning focus:

• What do you want to achieve in a month?
• What do you want to improve?
• What supporting materials/applications do you need to achieve your goal?
• What English language level are you aiming for?

Lack of Consistent Study Plan

If you are reading this.. Pause. It’s time to examine shortly what time and frequency you’ve been following to improve your English. Any inconsistencies in your routine might set you off from the achievable paths.

We create a 7-day easy to follow study plan that only takes 30 minutes of your time a day. Check down below!

7-Day Study Plan for 30 Minutes

• Day 1: Read a short English article in News in Levels. Write down 5 new words.
• Day 2: Review words using flashcards AnkiApps. Write one sentence for each.
• Day 3: Listen to a 5-7 minutes podcast or video with a topic of your interest.
• Day 4: Read 2-3 pages of leveled short stories from Story Weaver. They have stories raging from level 1 to level 4. Convenient for learners.
• Day 5: Flashcard review day and then quiz yourself. Cover the word, say the meaning.
• Day 6: Watch a short Youtube video with English subtitles. Focus on listening first then try to repeat aloud 3-4 sentences.
• Day 7: Free choice. You can rest to sharpen your saw (refresh your brain) or you can repeat one of the learning steps.

From here you can improvise what you want to do next. Multiply the difficulties or repeat the steps for the following weeks.

Fear of Making Mistakes

The fear of making mistakes can significantly hinder the progress of any students. Mistakes are part of learning. It’s just something that you bump out there.

Either way, try to say a very complex sentence in English and do it in a way that is not perfect. English has a complex phonetic system, not getting it right on the first bat is normal. After that, try to hear the correct pronunciation on an application like Google Translate to notice how you differ in pronunciation.

Minimum Exposure to English Language

Immersion in language is a powerful tool. Your senses have to be familiar with the English language. It’s important to listen to native English speakers and actively speak English. It’s okay to still carry your native accent at the start. You will develop a better accent the more you learn.

One of the tips we would offer for such a hurdle is being involved with your favorite media in English. Set your phone into English for desired outcomes. Write down new words and meanings you ever read or hear for the first time. Even better you can join an immersion program which include education, language, and cultural deep dive.

Relying Only on Traditional Learning Methods

It is a fact that brains love structure with occasional surprises, because surprises are fun! There are innovative ways to learn, not only from the textbooks given by the schools. Textbooks and courses can give you structure, while movies, books and entertainment can give you surprises.

Talking to foreigners through an online medium can be your learning source too. Take an example of online international book discussion, they can be your place to thrive practicing English. Pick your niche and find a community where you feel you belong.

Being a Passive Learner

Remember, being passive takes you nowhere. You must speak English on a daily basis, even through the broken ones. Use active language like “I want to eat” “I jog on Saturday” “I listen to music”. Memory has its limits. All the learning you probably have built might fade. When you become an active English language learner, you have to be open to feedback.

Language Barriers and Cultural Differences

Language, as a product of culture, naturally reflects the cultural characteristics of its country of origin. Learning English includes understanding the customs of English-speaking countries. This will better your understanding and ability to communicate effectively.

Time Management

As a student you are occupied with school tasks and activities, also balancing a social life and healthy sleeping schedule. But you have to create time throughout the day.

For example 15 minutes before bed take your time to read one English paragraph. It can be from a book or short article. To effectively manage your time, set achievable goals and divide them into actionable steps.

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So, these are the highlights: consistency, dynamic learning materials, immersion in the English language, and being active. As a student, you are in control of yourself. You will continuously make mistakes, but you will also learn. You will find English less daunting the more you persist through the challenges. Best of luck!