Good language learners

There has been a lot of research in recent years into what makes a good language learner. Here is a brief summary of the latest theories.

• Good language learners think about how they are learning. They try to find out what works for them and what doesn't. If they don't understand the purpose of a particular exercise, they ask the teacher.

• Good language learners are willing to experiment and take risks. For example, they will try out different ways of learning vocabulary until they find the way that suits them best. They are also not afraid of making mistakes, because they know that these can help them improve.

• Good language learners are realistic. They know that it will take time and effort to become proficient in English, and that there will periods where they do not seem to be making much progress.

• Good language learners are independent. They do not expect to learn English just by sitting in the classroom. And they do not rely on the teacher to totally direct their learning.

• Good language learners are organised and active. They use their time to learn English sensibly, and are always looking for opportunities to develop their language both inside and outside of the classroom.

• Good language learners have a balanced concern for communication and accuracy. Some students are experts at communicating their thoughts but do not care that they make many mistakes in doing so. Good language learners, on the other hand, are concerned with both communicating and doing so as accurately as possible.

Although these are the qualities that have been found in the most efficient language learners, there are still many other factors that influence how quickly a child will learn English. You can read about these factors on the Parent questions about language learning page → Why do some ESL students learn much more quickly than others?

The page with the title Second language acquisition - key factors on the Teachers subsite has more information on this topic.