Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[onlineKate]

I like english a lot, but I don't like the way we study english at school.I was always making some sort of plan on improving english as well as liking them. However, I just can't insist on doing them, usually after 2-3days,I don't want to stick to my plan anymore, what's more, I would always find a lot of reasons to forgive myself. Now I'm really puzzled by that bad habit. I have a incredibly short attention span!!!
If any of you would give me some suggestions both on lerning english after school, and about how to persist in what I've planed.I would thank in advance
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Kate

[Mister Micawber]

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Could THIS be involved, Kate?
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"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
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Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[redset]

I don't know if I'd jump straight into assuming something like ADHD. Let's face it, when it comes to working or studying we can all think of things we'd rather be doing. The key is to discipline yourself - if you forgive yourself too easily then you'll develop bad habits. Give yourself breaks at regular intervals, reward yourself for sticking to your plan (and don't reward yourself if you don't stick to it), and make sure you can work somewhere with few distractions. It helps if you have a goal in mind as well - ask yourself what you could do if you became fluent in English, and then remember all those great things whenever you lack motivation.

Basically it's always easier to give up than it is to put work into something. Learning English should be fun too, but personal study definitely requires discipline! And it's an important skill to learn. What kind of things does your plan involve? Maybe people could suggest things that might engage your interest a little more, make it more fun!

[inka]

Hey, how about facing English as something fun? What I mean is, try to listen to music (in English), visit sites such as:

www.cnn.com
www.bbcnews.com

There you'll find lots of different news, and certainly there'll be something that will call your attention; read magazines in English, articles on topics of your interest... if you do this kind of stuff, it's impossible to feel bored, because the topic will always be of your choice; you'll be adding to your English knowledge and also to your general culture. Remember: Have fun!!

[Swim4life]

I used to have the same problem, but I�m quite okay now. Well�motivation creates persistence and persistence gets job done. If you enjoy what you are doing, you will be motivated, and learning becomes easy.

I recommend you try to learn English through some things that you are interested in. For example, if you like movie, you can watch your favourite moives in English and write down some useful words or phrases that you want to remember, and then try them on the native English speaker. Or check out celebrity sites and learn more about famous actors, bands and other stars. This sure is good for your vocabulary and on top of that - it's lots of fun. Motivation matters when it comes to persistence or perseverance.

Hope this helps.