Study Tips for ESL from ABC ESL Canada

1. Make a study plan. Decide which areas you want to study, or what you need to review. If you have a plan, you won't feel as overwhelmed. Writing out what needs to be done so you can check it off later lets your brain stop worrying about remembering those to do items. Then you can focus on your work.

2. Set goals. When writing that study plan, set small goals that are easily achieved, and reward yourself. Studying for 20-30 minutes, then taking a 5-10 minute break and studying for another 20-30 minutes is more effective than studying for an hour without the break. It's easier to stay focused when you know that a break and a treat are coming up!

3. Keep your energy up with food. Your mind will wander and you will have more trouble concentrating if you are hungry or tired. Eat regular meals and get 8 hours sleep, even when studying for an exam - drinking coffee and staying up all night doesn't help you master the material. Your brain needs rest to function properly.

4. Choose where you study carefully. Some people study best in the library, in a coffee shop, others like to be alone in their rooms. Others find that studying with a partner or a small group helps them learn. However, no one will be focused on the material trying to study if there is loud music or a child is throwing a tantrum. Find a spot where you have as few distractions as possible, and are comfortable but not so comfortable you're likely to take a nap! Keep the temperature on a cooler setting to keep you awake.

5. Turn off the distractions. Texting, IMing, chatting on your phone, and tweeting will distract you when you are trying to study! Only use technology when taking a break, otherwise turn it all off.

6. Play games. When you are studying alone, try to use devices to remember things. Rhymes can help - "when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking" helps you remember that a word like fear has a long e. If you're studying with others, playing word games, with flash cards, or creating your own game can help the lesson stay in your head.

7. Don't give up. English is a language filled with exceptions, and ESL classes aren't easy. It's tempting to give up when the work becomes difficult and the workload becomes overwhelming. However, you can do it! Divide up the work into more manageable sections, and be persistent. Go through the sections one at a time, with breaks and rewards, and you'll get it faster than you thought you could!

Click here to watch our interview on ThatChannel.
View more ESL lessons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70vrlw5bWgM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qWA6cr4LL0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL