Study Smarter
5 min read
Are You Learning Smarter or Just Harder?
Have you ever felt like you're putting in hours of study but not making progress? The key to effective learning isn’t more time—it’s smarter strategies. Learning a language is about building habits, using your strengths, and knowing when and how to adjust. Let’s dive into how you can study smarter, not harder.
Match Activities to Your Mood
Your energy and mood impact how you learn. By matching activities to your state of mind, you can make the most of every moment.
When you're tired: Listen to music, watch TV, or enjoy a podcast.
When you’re focused: Challenge yourself with reading, writing, or practicing complex tasks.
When you’re in a great mood: Take on speaking tasks. Confidence is key!
First thing in the morning: Start with a quick writing exercise or read for 10 minutes to build momentum for the day.
Commit to Consistency
The secret to success is showing up every day (Allen, n.d.).
Set a minimum time goal, like 20 minutes a day. Even on low-energy days, keep going.
When you’re motivated, stretch that time and go deeper into your practice.
Find a Language Buddy and Parent!
Learning with others makes it more engaging and effective.
A language buddy is someone who learns with you. Share resources, practice conversations, and support each other.
A language parent is a mentor, like a teacher or an experienced speaker, who guides you. Be brave and make mistakes with them—they’re there to help you grow (LEO School).
Build Your Toolkit
The smartest learners know how to personalize their approach.
Understand your memory: Explore strategies from the Making Memories post.
Know your motivation: Revisit ideas from the Motivation post.
Learn how to learn: Check out Learning to Learn.
Focus on topics you care about: Make a list of your interests and learn vocabulary related to them—like science, music, or psychology.
Learn high-frequency words: These will help you communicate faster and more effectively.
Perfection isn’t the goal!
Your teacher doesn’t even speak perfectly! Focus on communicating, not perfection. Confidence grows when you let go of the fear of making mistakes.
Conclusion
Studying smarter means tailoring your learning to your life, mood, and goals. With the right tools and strategies, every step forward becomes easier. Remember, the most important thing isn’t how much you do—it’s doing it consistently and with intention.
Sources
Allen, W. (n.d.). 80% of success is showing up. Quote Investigator. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/06/10/showing-up/
LEO School. (n.d.). How to learn any language in six months: Chris Lonsdale. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://www.leo-school.uk/post/how-to-learn-any-language-in-six-months-chris-lonsdale
