Language learning tip: set your goals
You have probably heard quite a few people you know mentioning that they would like to learn Spanish someday. Or that they really need to put some serious effort into learning German for business. And yet most of the time, nothing comes of it. When a desire remains vague, it is not likely to become a priority. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course. It is okay to have a dream or two. But if mastering a foreign language would help you immensely in your work, your career or your studies, you would be somewhat mad not to pursue it as a matter of priority.
The more concrete, the better
An important first step in turning a desire into a concrete plan is to start by setting clear goals for yourself. Goals motivate you and direct your learning.
Examples of goals include:
- I want to be able to have an informal conversation in French with my client in Wallonia.
- I want to be able to have a business conversation entirely in German with a client in Germany.
- I want to be able to give a fluent presentation about my work in English.
- I want to expand my vocabulary in German with specific language drawn from trade and industry.
- When I am in Spain, I want to be able to do everyday things like shopping or greeting people in Spanish.
The rule of thumb when setting learning goals is this: the more concrete, the better. Can you vividly envision yourself having achieved the goal? Then it is likely to be a realistic one as well. What is even better is to break that goal down into smaller steps. Having smaller goals along the way allows you to experience success faster and motivates you to keep moving forward.
At Regina Coeli, learning goals form the foundation of your programme. Your goals take centre stage throughout your training. During the intake interview, a language trainer takes plenty of time to clarify your goals and to determine, based on your current skill levels, whether achieving them is realistic.
The great thing about well-defined goals is that you can achieve them. And when you do, you have cause to celebrate. That, in turn, motivates you to think in advance about what your reward might be. If you take a training course at Regina Coeli and work hard all day long to achieve your learning goals, there’s always a reward waiting in the wings. Grab a hot, frothy cappuccino from the barista after your lesson. Have a chat with a fellow student and enjoy a good glass of wine over dinner.
Another great thing about goals: once you have achieved them, the next one is already in the back of your mind. That is not a bad thing at all, because you have come a long way in the meantime!
Language training at Regina Coeli
If you want to learn a language properly straight away, take a look at our language training courses. We put together customised language training courses for you. Completely based on your learning goals, level and wishes.
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