Improving my studying methods by using tips from YouTube Polyglots.

 


Two Month Goals AKA Summer Goals Post:

Right now, I am trying to refine how I study. I have two months off since I teach, and I want to make the most of the time. One way I can stay accountable to a route. Hence, I am documenting the next two months of language learning. 

I decided to use a blog as my base camp. From there, I will post progress videos and reviews of language learning products, YouTube channels, and Apps. 

It will allow me to truly see how much progress I can make. 

Best, 
Ashley Que Chula

 

Two Month Goals AKA Summer Goals Post:


Step 1: Pimsleur Levels 1-5, Language Transfer (90 episodes), and Duolingo(4 Modules for Spanish).

  • I've always been a huge supporter of all things Pimsleur. Some people hate the memorization aspect of systems like Pimsleur. Sure, I will admit it can become repetitive. However, I found that at the beginning of the language-learning process, to lean into repetition. You are learning the rules of spelling, grammar, phonics, and phonetics that you have never heard before. Gaining familiarity with the sounds of your target language by incorporating repetition is the smart thing to do.  I suggest using Pimsleur in conjunction with Language Transfer. Pimsleur introduces vocabulary and sentence structures, but Language Transfer helps learners train their brains to think in their target language and how to construct more complex sentences. 
On Duolingo, I am a fan of free learning resources, and the app gets a bad rap because it's provocative to go against the grain.

 Is Duolingo bad?  

No.

 Should you only use it to learn a language? Absolutely not. 

Still, I am often saddened by the missed opportunity for people to gamify reviewing newly learned material from textbooks or classes with apps such as Duolingo. I use the app to commit new material learned from other resources to my long-term memory. Also, committing to fifteen minutes daily is one way to incorporate contact with your target language.






Step 2: Develop a solid sense of Spanish Grammar: Subjunctive, Review previously learned content, and practice the concepts through single-issue packets.  

  • It takes time to ingest the logic of Spanish sentence structure, and sometimes we learn a new language but have apparent weak spots. 
  • For example, you can understand everything said when listening to conversations, but you can't produce output (speech) in your targeted language.
                                                                                                          One way to fill in the gaps of missing knowledge, I suggest you do the following: 

  • Take an online (free) Competency Test at https://spanish.kwiziq.com/
  • Before you leave Kwiziq, read through the recommended study plan. I usually use this study plan to map concepts I must master before leveling up. 
  • Next, find a Textbook:
    • I know that it is 2023. You can find videos on Youtube of every issue that Kwiziq has highlighted. 
    • However, let me suggest this exercise to you. I want you to obtain a pdf of your desired textbook.
    • Then I want you to read the table of content.
    •  Locate all of the concepts that are problematic for you. 
        • Print one section at a time. Let's say you're focusing on the difference between Para and Por. 
      • Locate the section on that topic, and print it out.                                                                                               
    • Focus on completing every activity and recording new phrases and vocabulary in your tiny notebook. 

I've decided to curb my spending, and therefore, I have returned to old graduate student tendencies, such as finding the pdf of a textbook before ever paying a single dime. 



Step 3: Reading Non-Fiction in Spanish. 


  • While a few Spanish teachers insist that intermediate-level learners like myself can read fiction, they often recommend starting with graduated readers and Young Adults or even Middle-Grade Novels. 
  • Reading in your target language helps you acquire new vocabulary but in context. 
  • Reading also provides an endless source of vocab, reading out loud and using the audiobook of your reading to provide voice tracks to shadow later on. 

Currently Reading: 
I also recommend, if you're at a B1 level in Spanish, Palabras a Mi Mejor Amiga by Nekane González


Step 4: Podcasts and YouTube videos

Lethal Crysis, a Spanish Youtuber




 Josie Goms, a Spanish Youtuber




Clavero, a Spanish Youtuber


Dreamland Spanish, comprehensive videos in Slow Spanish 


Language learning content has exploded since the pandemic. I've discovered more language podcasts in Spanish now that I've moved on to more native-level content with the podcasts. I also enjoy a few YouTubers with pleasing accents. I am avoiding mixing too many different regional accents. Since I began my Spanish journey with Spain, I've decided to keep around 60 percent of my comprehensible input in Castalian Spanish. I am doing this mainly because I've already developed a lisp and the ear for the accent. 



With that said, I still want to push myself to the next level during this vacation. 

Therefore, I will also try to read, dissect and memorize longer pieces of content, such as a 30-minute video by Letal Crysis or Clavaro or The Wild Project.


The Wild Project, Spanish Podcast



Step 4: Spanish VIP

  • One of the things I've noticed regarding how I speak Spanish is that I need to catch up on irregular verb conjugation. 
  • This is problematic since the 20 most essential Spanish verbs are irregular. 
  • So, if I don't have a solid grasp of the most basic verbs and their conjugation in my target language, speaking is no wonder my weakest skill. 

My solution: 


I've signed up for unlimited online group classes through Spanish VIP. 

  • It cost me only 90 dollars a month. 
  • I can have consistent lessons with a small number of Spanish students at the same level of comprehension. If I was forced to speak in class in Spanish five times a week, I could see some real significant language gains in only two months. 

Well, World… this is my plan of attack. I don't know how this is going to work out. 

I have a can-do attitude and an MFA from an art college. 



So, yeah. 



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