Here are some useful tips on how to learn or improve English skills.
Summary
First, you need to make sure you understand BASIC English grammar. Advanced grammar is not so important. After that:
| 1. | Decide which of the nine kinds of intelligence you are strong in |
| 2. | Focus your English learning activities on those kinds of intelligence |
| 3. | Make a list of your interests |
| 4. | Focus your learning activities on those interests, to ensure that your motivation is high |
| 5. | Try to utilize ALL of your English skills, including writing, pronunciation, and reading etc. |
| 6. | You can do this by making a study schedule. Organize your time around your
usual schedule, but don't study too much or you will be stressed |
| 7. | The ideal way to learn English is to approximate a survival situation; in other
words, try to use English in as many parts of your everyday life as possible, and
avoid using Japanese as much as you possibly can |
| 8. | Join groups, clubs or communities which use English and focus on your interests.
You can find these groups easily on safe social networking websites like Mixi or
Facebook |
| 9. | Don't be afraid to study only with Japanese people. This can be very useful and
enjoyable |
| 10. | Don't depend completely on your teacher. Use your teacher for clarification etc.
Learning is up to you! |
Theory of Multiple Intelligences
This theory was proposed by the Harvard University psychologist, Howard Gardner in 1983. Nine kinds of intelligence have been identified so far:
| 1. | Verbal/Linguistic
Students who are good at languages are strong in this kind of intelligence. They
like to read, write and communicate with words. They enjoy telling stories,
drama, writing and listening. |
| 2. | Logical/Mathematical
Students who are good at numbers and analyzing things are strong in this kind
of intelligence. They like to reason and calculate things, and they think in a
logical and systematic way. They enjoy problem solving, measuring things,
critical thinking and puzzles. |
| 3. | Visual/Spatial
Students who are good at drawing, puzzles, or pictures are strong in this kind of
intelligence. They like to think in pictures and visualize how things will turn
out. They enjoy visual puzzles, drawing graphs, using charts etc.
|
| 4. | Bodily/Kinesthetic
Students who are good at using their bodies are strong in this kind of
intelligence.
They like to use their bodies to solve problems, create things, or present ideas.
They enjoy drama, experiments, dancing, creative movement, and crafts.
|
| 5. | Musical
Students who like music or singing songs are strong in this kind of intelligence.
They like to make, compose, or understand music, sing, and keep rhythm. They
enjoy chanting, singing, playing musical instruments, patterns, rhythms and
rhyming.
|
| 6. | Interpersonal
Students who are good at working in groups are strong in this kind of
intelligence.
They like to work with others and relate to other people. They enjoy group
work, team work, sharing, cooperation, brainstorming, parties etc.
|
| 7. | Intrapersonal
Students who like to do things by themselves are strong in this kind of
intelligence.
They enjoy self-analysis and reflection, and they can set clear goals and targets
and work effectively alone. They enjoy writing, independent reading,
worksheets etc.
|
| 8. | Naturalist
Students who like nature, or who like to categorize things, are strong in this kind
of intelligence. They can recognize and classify plants and animals. They
enjoy being outside, collecting insects and rocks, and using microscopes etc
|
| 9. | Existential
Students who like to use their imagination are strong in this kind of intelligence.
They wonder about history, and the future, and the nature of life and the
universe etc. They enjoy predicting things, interpreting literature, art or music,
and imagining things.
|
You should decide which of these kinds of intelligence are yours, and then try to focus on the activities mentioned above when studying English.
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