Where do I start studying?

This is a common question students ask when they start venturing themselves into the world of learning a new language. Basically, I would like to answer it by saying that the student should be able to identify the type of learner he or she is in order to search for the right methodology or material.

And how do the students recognise the way they learn best? VARK is the most famous categorisation of learning styles.

Read the categories below and check the one which best describes you.

VISUAL

AUDITORY

KINAESTHETIC

READ/WRITE

You prefer:

• maps

• diagrams

• charts

• graphs

• flow charts

• all the symbolic arrows, circles and hierarchies that people use to represent what could have been presented in words.

Important: It does NOT include still pictures or photographs of reality, movies, videos, or PowerPoint.

You prefer:

• lectures

• group discussions

• radio

• songs

• using mobile phones

• speaking and talking things through

Important: You may repeat what has already been said or ask an obvious and previously answered question because you need to learn by saying it the way you understood it.

You prefer:

• manuals

• reports

• essays

• assignments

• the Internet

• lists

• diaries

• dictionaries

• thesauri

• quotations

• words, words, words…

Important: Wikipedia and other similar sites are perfect for your studies.

You prefer:

• demonstrations

• simulations

• videos of “real” things

• case studies

• practice

• applications

Important: You like doing things, especially the ones based on reality. 

How do I study English with films and series?

Language acquisition is a continuous process which can happen in lots of different ways. Apart from listening to music, reading books and doing researches on the internet, an enjoyable activity for students is watching films and series in English.

But the question is: how do I study with films and series? One of the techniques which I always mention is SHADOWING.

What is SHADOWING?

It is a language learning technique in which you repeat an audio just after you hear it. You act like a parrot or a “shadow” and that is why the name is “shadowing". Are you ready to try this? Follow the steps below and improve your listening and speaking skills!

Step 1: Choose a film or series which you can watch as many times as you wish.

Step 2: Watch the film to understand the story. You can watch it in your native language or you can watch it in English with the subtitles in Portuguese. Look up words whose meaning you do not know. Take notes of new expressions!

Step 3: Watch the film again. This time, in English with the subtitles in English. Choose a part of it with new expressions or vocabulary that you consider important.

Step 4: Repeat the selected part many times. Listen to what the actors are saying and pause the video to repeat. Imitate their facial expressions and mouth movements.

Step 5: After "shadowing" for some minutes, try to repeat without the help of the video. You can do this repetition in front of the mirror to check if your movements are similar to the ones of have seen the actor performing.

You can try this technique once or twice a week for ten to fifteen minutes depending on your schedule.

Can I practise SHADOWING with songs?

Of course you can! You just have to follow the steps written above but instead of choosing a film or series, you should choose a song. And I have a very short playlist here to help you! 

My playlist gives you access to the video for you to practise shadowing and some exercises which you can use to study. This is how my playlist looks like! Just click on the chart below and have fun!!!!!

What is my level of English?

Now that I know my learning style and the appropriate type of tools to use to my advantage, how do I select the material to study? Will any book do? Which movie can I watch? Which chart or dictionary can I consult? What lectures should I go to? What demonstrations can help me?

First you need to identify your level of English, that is, how much vocabulary you have mastered and which linguistic structures you know and are able to use for communication.

The Common European Framework of Reference - CEFR - was developed by the European community and people have been using it all around the world. Its main objective is to provide a method of learning, teaching and certification that applies to all European languages ​​and makes it easier for educational institutions and employers to assess the linguistic qualifications of candidates for admission to education or employment.

Click on the button below and take a test to find out which of the CFER levels you are at.