TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED

Larissa Acherman Ambrosio

Each autonomous learner searches for methods that he or she will adapt easily to. Bellow are some opinions from actual autonomous learners and their tips on how to learn a second language independently, taken from a forum on a website.

Johnny:

“I've been learning it all by myself, no teachers, no classes at all, just me and my pc. I'm still learning. Nowadays, if you have a good connection to the internet, there are so many resources online and available in the form of books and CDs that most learners could well do without any teachers.
Grammar books and other material provided the basics;
Monolingual dictionaries for learners (Oxford, Longman, etc.) provide meanings, examples and usage;
The internet provides all the material for practicing whatever you want, reading, listening (youtube, radios, etc.), etc. Internet forums provide interaction with native speakers and make it possible to ask questions and get different answers.

The worst part is getting started. It's easy to give up and take the wrong approach. It's really stressful... Until you reach a certain level and you realize you are starting to enjoy English for real. Then you can say "I almost have the power" :-)”

Skippy

“Learning alone is fine if you can sit down, focus, and do it. Those of us for whom that is a problem usually just end up taking classes...”

Shine_core:

“Learning English alone at home...Not attending a typical English class, is okey...Since it gives you time to concentrate and focus no distractions, as long as you have a good internet connection and a reliable resources on line. But I also believe that once in a while we need interaction from our fellow English learners, since you need to practice and put into action what you've learned... And lastly I suggest that in studying English we need to improve our listening ability too, try dropping by this site its unique flamingos teaching English to young ones and adults...This is a good way too in improving students English skills...”

Abdullah:

“According to what we mentioned above, you must do the following :

1- Read some passages about English language.
2- Highlight the new vocabulary.
3- Translate that new vocabulary by using your favorite dictionary.
4- Write every vocabulary definition up of each of witch.
5- Read the passage again after translation for more than one time
6- Try to using the new vocabulary you have gained them in new context from your industry.
7- [[Communicate]] with others (like chat) by opening and speaking about any topics and subjects which contains on that vocabulary you gained them.”

Refrence:

http://www.antimoon.com/forum/t10741.htm