- Make a Schedule: Time management can be a really tough concept for learners, heck even adults! A learner needs to be realistic with how long activities and practice may take. When scheduling a time to learn they can sit down and participate in the course. After they have picked a good time, make sure they put it on a visual schedule. It can be a mobile device with an alert or even on a board in the learning environment. Stick to the time schedule so when that alarm goes off, they drop everything and get to a computer!
- Distraction Free Learning Environment: Consider where the learner is working. How many distractions are there? Is there a cell phone with incoming text messages? Is the television on? Is there loud music preventing them from listening to their instructor or videos? Reducing the number of nearby distractions can help keep a learner focus and attentive to their coursework.
- Gather the Resources: Although coursework and live sessions are done virtually, it is still important for a learner to have a nearby notebook and writing utensil to identify vocabulary, practice writing skills, take notes, etc. Learners should also consider a headset or headphones to minimize distractions for live sessions or to prepare recordings with fewer interferences.
- Communication: Has the learner communicated with the instructor to discuss their difficulties? Each WOL Institute instructor is incredibly valuable and is always willing to help any learner. Encourage the learner to reach out to them by sending a message in Canvas. Have the learner be honest in asking what they need help on. Is it content-based? Are they having trouble logging in? Or some other glitch that might keep them from doing their best?
- Practice: Lastly, one of the most important things a learner can do to improve their grade is to seek out the language. They need to surround themselves in more of the new language they are acquiring to develop listening and reading skills. These two skills will develop confidence in speaking and writing. Consider options such as a variety of language learning apps on mobile devices, youtube channels, podcasts, or even subtitles on the tv screen.
24 Hours to Improving Your World Language Grade
