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Success with Languages
Success with Languages is designed to help all students develop the skills they need to become an effective language learner and to make the most of language study. Written by experienced language teachers at the Open University, this book offers undergraduates and postgraduates crucial and practical advice on important areas such Each of the ten chapters features a number of exercises in order to help students assess the ways they learn and consider where improvements can be made, making the most of the media available and how to use resources effectively.
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 10, 2019
Although the back-cover states that 'this study guide is relevant to anyone learning a language in any situation' the fact is, written by a Senior Lecturer and a Staff Tutor from the Open University, it will speaks only to adults going back to formal education. If you are not part of that demographic, then, honestly, don't bother.
Don't get me wrong! It surely is a useful read to catch on with how to use ICT for learning purposes, prepare and submit assignements, or, again, approach and deal with various types of assessments. But those are practical tips on how to cope with going back to school, not about language learning itself. In fact, when it comes to language learning, not only there's nothing new here but the tips being given might even be counter-productive.
Indeed, 'to concentrate on what you enjoy doing' regarding your favourite input (be it watching video, listening to the radio, reading books...) is a good piece of advice, but, frankly, pretty obvious! As for the rest, targeting to students preparing for an exam it will all sound like discouraging school homework. Not that there is anything wrong with role play, writing up summaries, essays and or preparing presentation to increase vocabulary and improve grammar. But, in my view, besides being time consuming and daunting such exercises kill off spontaneity and, therefore, fluency.
I indeed firmly believe that, language being primarily a speaking tool, one should first and foremost be focused on speaking it - whatever your goal. It should be a natural process, organic, rooted in real life situations, and should not, as the exercises recommended here would lead to, feel like spitting out some planned scripts on a given topic set in advance. If anything, such approach will in fact leave you unable to cope when faced with unplanned conversations! More, based on my personal experience, fluency leads to accuracy; so an ability to speak freely not only increase useful vocabulary but makes understanding of grammar, and so success during exams, far easier.
In a word, this book is just good enough if you want to pass an assessment after a long break from formal education. However, if your ambition is to master a foreign language, at least at a conversational level, then move on.
Don't get me wrong! It surely is a useful read to catch on with how to use ICT for learning purposes, prepare and submit assignements, or, again, approach and deal with various types of assessments. But those are practical tips on how to cope with going back to school, not about language learning itself. In fact, when it comes to language learning, not only there's nothing new here but the tips being given might even be counter-productive.
Indeed, 'to concentrate on what you enjoy doing' regarding your favourite input (be it watching video, listening to the radio, reading books...) is a good piece of advice, but, frankly, pretty obvious! As for the rest, targeting to students preparing for an exam it will all sound like discouraging school homework. Not that there is anything wrong with role play, writing up summaries, essays and or preparing presentation to increase vocabulary and improve grammar. But, in my view, besides being time consuming and daunting such exercises kill off spontaneity and, therefore, fluency.
I indeed firmly believe that, language being primarily a speaking tool, one should first and foremost be focused on speaking it - whatever your goal. It should be a natural process, organic, rooted in real life situations, and should not, as the exercises recommended here would lead to, feel like spitting out some planned scripts on a given topic set in advance. If anything, such approach will in fact leave you unable to cope when faced with unplanned conversations! More, based on my personal experience, fluency leads to accuracy; so an ability to speak freely not only increase useful vocabulary but makes understanding of grammar, and so success during exams, far easier.
In a word, this book is just good enough if you want to pass an assessment after a long break from formal education. However, if your ambition is to master a foreign language, at least at a conversational level, then move on.
March 13, 2020
This is very much aimed at the *absolute* beginning language learner (which I am not), but even then, it treats the reader as if they've never completed an assignment or sat an exam before. Which most of us will have done if we've had a regular education.
There is some useful information about institutions that provide specialist qualifications (e.g. aimed at business people), as well as tips about setting clear targets and customising your learning to suit yourself - your needs will be different if you're intending to live abroad, for example, compared to if you just want enough knowledge to get by on holiday. But things like that are common sense for most people.
If you've done language GCSEs at school, most of the points in here about note-making and monitoring your progress will probably already be familiar.
Of course, if you haven't then it may be useful, but it didn't really teach me anything new.
There is some useful information about institutions that provide specialist qualifications (e.g. aimed at business people), as well as tips about setting clear targets and customising your learning to suit yourself - your needs will be different if you're intending to live abroad, for example, compared to if you just want enough knowledge to get by on holiday. But things like that are common sense for most people.
If you've done language GCSEs at school, most of the points in here about note-making and monitoring your progress will probably already be familiar.
Of course, if you haven't then it may be useful, but it didn't really teach me anything new.
July 30, 2011
To be honest, I thought this was an exercise in stating the obvious.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews