How to get the most out of your classes

This time we are going to give you a few tips, some more familiar and others perhaps a little newer. You can share with us which strategies are your star ones for becoming the best in class. Remember that the best advice is to have a good sense of humour and a desire to learn. So, let’s gooooo!

Organise your materials and notes before class begins. A clear mind leaves room for new information, helps build learning habits and brings enormous satisfaction.

Ask absolutely everything you do not understand. Otherwise, by the end you will have a sea of doubts that will confuse you even more and stop you moving forward. Write down all your questions so you do not forget them, and try to resolve them as soon as possible, ideally with your teacher.

Know what kind of student you are, what strengths you have and which abilities you would not trust blindly. For example, I recognise that I do not have the best memory in the world, so I write everything down in a notebook. I promise that knowing yourself is a guarantee of progress: it lets you anticipate things and make the most of every situation.

Remember your goal clearly and how to reach it; if you are not sure, design a plan with your teacher. When your brain knows the steps it needs to take and there is logic behind them, it will be much easier to follow the plan.

Try to communicate as much as possible with your teacher so that they can understand your situation, know how to help you and optimise your study plan.

Doing your homework or following the teacher's instructions is probably a good idea most of the time. It is an easy way to review what you are learning.

Take the opportunity to listen to your classmates if you are in a group. They offer learning possibilities if you stop to listen to them. In a group you can hear doubts, mistakes and possible corrections; every person has much to contribute, and if you observe carefully you will learn more than you imagine.

Take part in class even if you do not feel ready. The perfect time is now, because you will never feel completely ready; there will always be something new that you do not yet master. Dare to do it and surprise everyone.

Try to connect as many ideas as possible. Your brain learns when that process happens. Be active in your learning. The more you commit to yourself, the more you will know.

Look for specific examples in context so that you can remember what you learn. It is a good way to learn vocabulary, among other things.

Do you remember when you were a child? Curiosity and seeing that you achieve your goals are the greatest engines of learning. Set yourself small challenges and reward yourself when you meet them.

Rest and enjoy yourself, observe your own process, do not punish yourself, and analyse and reflect in order to improve. Talk to people. Imagine learning a language as a video game in which you complete challenges.

The best way to learn a language is to live it, and we know how to do that very well at Guadalmina Idiomas.