Thinking about starting English training or returning to it after a break? Before you develop your training plan, here are some simple tips to help you get more from your learning journey and lead you towards success.
1. One size does not fit all (at all)
Gone are the days of generic, one-size-fits-all language courses. English training should be tailored to you – your interests, your goals and the way you learn best. Accept nothing less.
2. Progress isn't always visible
Just because you don’t notice your language skills improving, it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Some of the best breakthroughs occur without you realising. Trust in your brain’s remarkable ability to absorb language naturally over time.
3. Awareness comes before fluency
Language learning often follows a pattern. You’ll discover new language structures and initially repeat the same mistakes (and that’s completely normal). This growing awareness of patterns and errors gradually guides you towards correct usage.
4. Be fully present
If you’re starting a training session while scrolling through your phone or checking your inbox, you’re unlikely to remember much. Instead, put everything aside and be fully present. When you finish your training, step away, move on to other things, and return with the same focus. This will help you take in information more effectively.
5. Go beyond a textbook
Successful learners don’t rely solely on coursebooks. They use multiple sources to accelerate their learning. Books, podcasts, games, online resources, networking, small talk – the list goes on. Create a toolkit of resources to support your language development.
6. Language training is a collaborative journey
The most effective learning happens when you and your trainer are both accountable. A good trainer doesn’t just ‘deliver’ the training; they listen, adapt and work with you to develop a training programme that achieves the results that matter most to you (or your business).
7. Find communities for learning
Today’s learners can access supportive communities both online and offline. From local meetups and workplace socials to groups centred around specific interests, you’ll find people to connect and converse with while developing your language skills.
A note from Your London Tutor (YLT)
Your language journey is uniquely yours. Whether you choose self-study, group classes, or one-to-one coaching, your training plan should reflect who you are and deliver what you need.
