This document provides tips for successfully learning a foreign language at the University of Houston. It discusses that language learning involves practicing four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. It emphasizes that regular practice is important for success. In the classroom, students can expect to interact frequently with instructors and classmates, make mistakes which are part of the learning process, and work often in groups. For studying, tips include making flashcards, keeping a vocabulary notebook, quizzing oneself and visiting language tutors. It stresses preparing gradually for tests and quizzes by reviewing material regularly.

1. Crossing the Language Barrier
How to successfully navigate your language learning experience at the
University of Houston

2. In this presentation:
 Part I: Language Learning
Information
 Part II: In the Classroom
 Part III: Learning and Study Tips
 Part IV: Preparing for Tests and
Quizzes

3. Part I: Language Learning Information

4. How is learning a language different than
other types of learning?
 When you learn a language, you are not
only learning new concepts, but also
learning and practicing a skill.
 Language learning is comprehensive – in
other words, you will continue to use and
build upon what you learn on the first day
of class.
 It is important in language learning to go
back to earlier concepts if you feel that
you do not understand them, in order to
continue building your skill.

5. What are the different components of
language learning?
Reading
Listening
comprehension
Writing
Speaking You will practice all of these in the classroom
and at home, as you study.

6. Practice, practice, practice!
 The best way to acquire a
language and succeed in a
language course is to
practice all four
components.
 Practice and study a little
bit every day, instead of
only right before a test

7. Part II: In the Classroom

8. What should I expect in a language
classroom?
 Lots of interaction! Practicing is the best
way to learn a new language, so you
should expect to speak often with your
instructor and classmates – either one-on-
one or in group work.
 To make mistakes! No one will expect you
to speak the language perfectly. If you
could do that, you would not need the
class! The only way to improve is to make
mistakes and learn from them.

9. What else should I expect in the language
classroom?
 To be nervous sometimes! It is absolutely normal to feel anxious about speaking
a new language in front of other people. It is a challenging, but necessary
component of language learning.
 To not understand sometimes! You will not understand everything your instructor
or fellow students say. Do not panic. Your instructor will gladly repeat or
paraphrase something, if you do not understand.
 To work often with your fellow students! Group work is an important way to
practice your language skills. Although it can feel embarrassing or frustrating,
speaking the new language with your fellow students is an important way to
practice your own skills. Challenge yourself to NOT resort to English.

10. Homework
 Daily practice may seem overwhelming, but is vital if you want to master a new
language. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be using the
language.
 Completing assigned homework is necessary in building your language skills,
feeling more confident in the classroom, and doing well on tests and quizzes.
 The online textbook components for most languages have plenty of exercises
(even beyond those assigned!) that can help with your practice and studying. Ask
your instructor if you feel like you need more practice and need suggestions on
the types of activities that might help.

11. Part III: Learning and Study Tips

12. How can I learn vocabulary?
 Learning new words can be the most
challenging and sometimes overwhelming
part of starting a new language.
 Experiment with methods that seem to
work best for you.
 Do not underestimate the amount of time
it takes to learn vocabulary, but remember
that practicing in shorter sessions
throughout the day (or on the bus on the
way to campus, for example!) can help.

13. Tips for studying vocabulary words
 Make your own flashcards. On-line flashcards are convenient, but do not afford
you the opportunity to write them yourself. Writing down words and definitions
helps you internalize the material.
 Include more information than words and definitions alone. If you are studying
verbs, include relevant verb forms, for example
 Make several sets of cards. Make a set for nouns, a set for verbs, and a set for
adjectives, for example. Study them separately, and then mixed together.
 Remove cards as you study – in other words, when you feel confident that you
know a word, remove it from the stack, so that you are only studying the ones you
do not know.

14. More tips for studying vocabulary words
 Study in context. Try using words in sentences or recognizing words in texts. Fill-
in-the-blank activities provided by the book or your instructor can be helpful.
 Use vocabulary during class. Using new words from the chapter during classtime
and in homework will make learning vocabulary much easier once test-time rolls
around.
 Keep a vocabulary notebook. When new words come up in class or when your
instructor writes a new word on the board, be sure to take notes!

15. General Study Tips
 Do not wait until right before a test to
study. Consider reviewing vocabulary and
brushing up on grammar concepts an
automatic part of daily homework.
 Study often, but in short sessions
 Quiz yourself outside of the classroom.
Practice as you make dinner, for example.
Do you know the names of the foods
inside your refrigerator in your new
language? Could you explain to someone
how you are preparing the meal?

16. Be flexible!
 If you are finding that your study and practice methods are not helping you
improve, make a change! Ask you fellow students what works best for them, or
ask your instructor for suggestions on how to change your study routine.

17. Visit your tutor
 The Modern and Classical Language and
Hispanic Studies departments offer free
tutoring. Check your syllabus or ask your
instructor for information.

18. Part IV: Preparing for tests and quizzes

19. What is the best way to study for a
language test or quiz?
 Do not wait until the last minute. Be
reviewing and studying material little-by-
little each week.
 Study vocabulary throughout the chapter,
not just at the end.
 Work through mistakes you make on
quizzes and homework. If you are not
sure WHY you got something wrong, you
will probably get it wrong on the test as
well.

20. My class requires an oral exam. How
should I prepare?
 Challenge yourself to speak your new
language in class, especially during group
work
 Form a study group and meet regularly to
practice together
 Prepare and practice vocabulary that your
instructor indicates might be tested
 Know how to say common phrases that
might help in conversation – “Could you
repeat that, please,” for example

21. How else can I practice speaking?
 Meet speakers of the language you are
studying by visiting local community
centers, attending cultural club meetings
on campus, or joining a conversation
group in Houston.
 You can also find conversation partners
online through language exchange
websites and apps.

22. More information
 Consult other documents in this learning
module for suggested study plans for a
chapter test and other information about test
preparation. When in doubt, ask your
instructor for advice or assistance!