If you are learning German using apps, websites, or on your own, you must remember not to practice bad study methods.
Bad study methods…
If you’re a student, chances are you have used one or more of these study methods: flashcards, mnemonics, virtual flashcards, SRS (self-recording study), or even old-fashioned pen and paper.
However, while these study methods may seem like they should be common sense to anyone who has ever had to learn something quickly, many still use ineffective methods and even apps for learning languages.
So why do so many people keep using bad study methods? Not everyone has the same learning style.
Some students respond well to seeing things written down; others prefer visuals and diagrams; some enjoy reading about how to do something, and others need examples to understand it better.
With so many different ways of learning available, it can be difficult for someone who struggles with one method to find another that suits them better – especially if you’re starting in your language studies.
However, adopting new strategies requires effort and determination from the student. It doesn’t help that most of us grow accustomed to how we learn best – which is why we don’t always know when a new approach could prove much more effective.
Here are some reasons why people still use bad study methods instead of switching over to something more effective:
They haven’t found the right app or method yet
People often try a few different study methods before they find one that works well for them. This doesn’t mean they’re stuck with it forever – it just takes some time to find the right strategy.
Once you learn a language, it’s important to keep using it, or you’re likely to lose what you’ve gained. This means that it’s a good idea to stay motivated during those first few months when you’re still forming new language habits.
Many people find that they need to find ways to make studying more fun, while others may need to switch to more effective methods.
It’s what they know and they feel comfortable with it
Some methods are so ingrained in our education that we keep using them even after we finish school. Flashcards, for example, are a tried and tested study method many of us have used since childhood.
It can be not easy to move away from what we’re familiar with and try something new. It’s also worth bearing in mind that not every method is bad.
If you’re using a method that works for you and you’re still making progress, there’s no reason to change. It’s just important to know what methods are best for different kinds of learning.
They don’t have time to invest in finding something better
Learning a language can be a very time-consuming process. It can be difficult to find time to fit in lessons and revision and enough time to do other things in life.
It can be hard to find the motivation to spend more time studying when you don’t feel like you’re making any progress. Many language students must balance their studies with work and other commitments, which can lead to stress.
Stress can seriously impact your learning ability, so it’s important to find ways to manage your time and stress levels. This can make it more difficult to find the energy needed to study and make you feel like you don’t have enough time for anything.
They don’t see a reason to change what works for them now
You don’t need to change your study methods, but you should try to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. If you prefer written notes but find that you rarely refer to them again, you might want to try a different method.
Similarly, suppose you always reread notes but never use the language in real-life situations. In that case, you might want to try a different method.
Most students don’t reach a level where they never change what works for them as they learn. However, it’s important to recognize when something isn’t working and to consider making a change.
People are reluctant to pay for language-learning tools
While there are some free and useful study apps, many of the study methods we’ve outlined here and apps worth their salt will cost you some money. There are some advantages to paying for your language learning tools.
First and foremost, you know that they’re going to work. There’s no guarantee that free apps will be of good quality or that they will be there for you in a few months, let alone years down the line.
Knowing what to spend your money on as you start learning a new language can be difficult. All languages are different, and different methods work better for different people.
You may need to try a few different apps or study methods before finding one that clicks with you.
Learning a language can be a truly life-changing experience. Not only will you be able to communicate with a whole host of new people, but you’ll also gain a new understanding of another culture and their way of thinking.
However, to make the most of your language learning experience and enjoy the process more, it’s important to be aware of the common pitfalls people frequently fall into when studying languages.
It cannot be easy to switch away from what you’re used to, but it’s often worthwhile.