Guide to Language Learning Goals

Guide to Language Learning Goals Why You Need Language-Learning Goals ChaptersWhat to Avoid When Setting Language Learning GoalsHow to Successfully Approach Language LearningLanguage Is ComplexWhat Is a Goal?How to Break Apart Your Language Learning GoalsHow to Set S.M.A.R.T. GoalsKeep Your Language-Learning Goals RealisticOften, when people start learning a new language, they jump right into it. They’ll download an app and start swiping and typing away to fluency. Or so they think. But jumping into language-learning with this mindset can not only lead to wasted time, but it can also prevent you from actually learning a new language.If you’re going to learn a new language, then you need goals. Without them, you’ll get lost in the forest, looking for the trees. To help you make the most of this process, you need a guide to creating language learning goals that will help you rapidly reach fluency.Specific: In detail, describe what you want to achieve. List out why, how, and under what conditions you wish to achieve them. The more details you can pr ovide, the better.Measurable: In what objective way can you measure your progress to gauge success?Attainable: Is your goal realistic? Analyze yourself as a learner and make sure that you’re not creating unrealistic expectations for yourself.Relevant: How does this goal relate to your overall goal?Timely: Set a specific and reasonable deadline to achieve your goal.Setting goals for your learning can help you keep on track.What’s An Example of a S.M.A.R.T. Goal?A general goal would be saying something like, “I want to speak German.” A more specific goal would be saying something like, “I want to speak German at a B2 level.”But a S.M.A.R.T. goal goes much deeper and more specific:“I want to speak German at a B2 level in 1 year so that I can travel to Germany for 2 weeks practising my language skills on a language holiday. I’m going to do this by sitting down every day for 45 mins and working on my language skills using my favourite languaging program, YouTube, and Netf lix.Plus, I’m going to reach out to friends that I know speak the language and ask them to help me practice. I’ll make sure to spend time on each domain as well, but because my goal is to speak the language, my primary focus will be on listening comprehension and speaking. I also plan on taking the B1 Test at 6 months and then the B2 test before I go on my trip.”Keep Your Language-Learning Goals RealisticThis point bears repeating and revisiting. While some language-learners will promise unrealistic progress with various programs, the key to success is being realistic language learning. Know who you are, how you learn, and why you want to reach fluency in a foreign language. Then take the time to layout your specific, detailed goals.With a clear plan and focus, you’ll achieve results much faster. With achievable goals, you’ll also have far more moments where you can take a step back and reflect on your success, giving you the motivation you need to keep going until you fin ally reach fluency.