How to get the most out of your online English course

We all know there are far easier things in life than learning a new language. It takes time, practice and dedication. You must take time for it and keep up with it each week, if not every day, to maintain and continue learning. So when taking your EF English Live lessons, make it easier on yourself by following a few simple rules to ensure you are getting the most out of your class.

First, turn off your TV! Having your TV on in the background surely doesn’t help your mind think straight. Your kids might want to watch TV, however for the sake of your lesson, let them play outside or in another room. It might not seem like a big deal, but having this commotion on in the background is not only disturbing for the teacher and other students if you’re taking a Group Lesson, but it affects your thought process as well.

Second, speaking about kids, let them run off and do something else. Don’t play babysitter while you are trying to learn. Have someone else watch them or take your class when they are at school, napping or off with their friends. How can you answer your teacher’s questions accurately while helping your child fix their Barbie doll or telling them to do something? The answer is, you can’t. Don’t try to be superman/woman. Do one thing at a time. 45 minutes to yourself for your English lesson isn’t asking much.

Lastly, take your lessons at a time that really works for you. I have lessons with students at the most ridiculous times! How can you learn and absorb information after working for 10 hours, making dinner, putting the kids to sleep, doing the dishes etc… then taking an English class at 2:00 AM! You can’t do it all. I know it’s tough to find a free spot in your busy schedule, however which is better? Having a class at a reasonable hour and actually getting something out of it because your brain is still working or taking a class for the sake of taking a class at a crazy hour and not having enough energy to keep your eyes open and pay attention?

Don’t waste your time and money if you can’t give it 100%. This goes for you early risers as well. Don’t take your class at 4:00 AM when you are barely awake.

A huge factor in learning a new language is being alert and ready. If it’s too early or too late you are already failing yourself. Let’s be real, there is no way you can function after midnight after a full day of work. It’s not healthy for your body and it’s certainly not improving your English if your brain is shutting down for the night. Make sure to get the most out of your English course by studying at a time that really works for you and eliminating all distractions.