Effective Methods of Learning English

Dilfuza Sh. Shadiyeva

, Nagima T. Yusupova

and Zilola B. Azimova

International School of Finance Technology and Science, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Lack of Motivation, Learning Resource, Second Language, Earning Potential, Business Professional,

Individual Basis, Stimulating Memory, Mental Flexibility, Cultural Understanding, Gradual Work, Learning

Experience.

Abstract: You want to learn English but aren’t sure where to begin, or (and this is far more likely) you’ve tried to learn

English and are frustrated by your lack of progress. You’re not alone! Millions of people are learning English

all over the world. Here you’ll find key strategies to learn English faster, tips on choosing the course that

works best for you, common mistakes to avoid, and links to our complete collection of English learning

resources. Learning English is a good way to improve your professional future and expand your horizons.

More and more people around the world use English as a way to connect with people from different cultural

backgrounds. The English language has become the lingua franca of international communication, trade,

business, diplomacy, and many other areas. Mastering the language will open doors for you, both expected

and unexpected.

1 INTRODUCTION

Based on the findings of the EF English Proficiency

Index (EPI), which ranks countries and regions by

their English skills, over 1 billion individuals use

English as either their first or second language and

hundreds of millions speak it as a third or fourth

language. Proficiency in English facilitates the

exchange of information among scientists,

researchers, tourists, and business professionals. On

an individual basis, those who are fluent in English

have higher job prospects, greater earning potential,

and increased access to the wealth of information

online.

If you're still not convinced of the benefits of

learning English, here are a few more:

Learning English will build up your confidence.

Mastering something you've struggled with for years

is extremely satisfying.

Learning English boosts your career by allowing

you to follow the latest trends in your field, attend

conferences, and evolve into positions with an

international remit.

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5642-3588

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4666-7419

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4775-8312

Learning a new language keeps your mind healthy,

stimulating your memory and increasing mental

flexibility.

Learning English gives you access to more of the

world's knowledge, and from a wider variety of

perspectives. Over half of the material online is in

English, and all the world's top scientific journals are

published in that language.

Learning English makes international travel easier

and more fulfilling. You'll be less dependent on

guides and translators, able to explore the world on

your own.

2 THE MAIN FINDINGS AND

RESULTS

Learning English allows you to meet people from

other places and expand your cultural understanding.

The world is more interconnected than ever before.

Successful strategies for learning English

effectively include:

1. Immersion: Surround yourself with the

language as much as possible. Watch English movies,

Shadiyeva, D., Yusupova, N. and Azimova, Z.

Effective Methods of Learning English.

DOI: 10.5220/0012844700003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 341-345

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

341

listen to English music, and try to engage in

conversations with native speakers.

2. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to

improving your English skills. Set aside dedicated

time each day to study and practice reading, writing,

listening, and speaking.

3. Use a variety of resources: Utilize textbooks,

online courses, language learning apps, and

interactive websites to engage with different learning

materials. This will keep you motivated and expose

you to various aspects of the language.

4. Develop strong reading skills: Read English

books, newspapers, articles, and blogs to improve

your vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar. Start

with simpler texts and gradually work your way up to

more complex materials.

5. Speak and listen actively: Find opportunities to

speak in English, whether through language exchange

programs, conversation groups, or online platforms.

Actively listen to native speakers in podcasts, videos,

and audio recordings to improve your pronunciation

and understanding.

6. Focus on grammar: While it's important to

practice speaking and listening, don't overlook the

importance of grammar. Dedicate time to studying

grammar rules and practice using them in sentences.

7. Take advantage of technology: Use language

learning apps, online resources, and language

exchange platforms to practice with interactive

exercises, receive instant feedback, and connect with

other English learners.

8. Set specific goals: Define what you want to

achieve with your English learning, whether it's

passing a specific exam, improving your workplace

communication, or enhancing your travel

experiences. Setting goals will give you direction and

motivation.

9. Seek feedback and correction: Don't be afraid

to make mistakes. Embrace opportunities to receive

feedback from teachers, language partners, or native

speakers, as this will help you identify areas for

improvement.

10. Be patient and persistent: Learning a language

takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged by

setbacks or slow progress. Stay motivated, practice

regularly, and celebrate your achievements along the

way.

The secret to learning English quickly isn’t much of

a secret: increase your exposure to the language.

Ideally, you should be surrounded by English 24

hours a day, 7 days a week. That’s why going abroad

is such an effective way to learn a language. But if

travel isn’t an option, you can still create an English

immersion environment at home. Do it by reading in

English, listening to English podcasts, watching TV

in English, speaking to people in English at work,

making English-speaking friends online, etc. At first,

this sounds daunting. But you can do it if you take it

one step at a time.

According to academic research, linguists have

demonstrated that there is not one single best method

for everyone in all contexts, and that no one teaching

method is inherently superior to the others.

Also, it is not always possible – or appropriate –

to apply the same methodology to all learners, who

have different objectives, environments and learning

needs.

A proficient language instructor always follows

the Principled Eclecticism approach, carefully

selecting techniques and methodologies that align

with the learner's specific goals, learning style, and

context.

English teaching methods have undergone

significant advancements, particularly in the past four

decades. Whether you are a language learner, training

manager, or teacher, it is crucial to familiarize

yourself with the diverse methods and techniques

available. This knowledge will enable you to make

informed decisions, navigate the language learning

market, and enhance your overall language learning

experience.

Each teaching method is based on a particular

vision of understanding the language or the learning

process, often using specific techniques and materials

used in a set sequence.

The main methodologies are listed below in the

chronological order of their development:

Grammar Translation – the classical method

Direct Method – discovering the importance of

speaking.

Audio-lingualise – the first modern methodology

Humanistic Approaches – a range of holistic

methods applied to language learning.

Communicative Language Teaching – the modern

standard method.

Principled Eclecticism – fitting the method to the

learner, not the learner to the method.

Each method has a different focus or priority, so

let’s look at what this means in practical terms in the

classroom.

The more common methods have a link to a

separate page with more details and an explanation of

how they work, including the most common method

currently used – Communicative Language Teaching.

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Table 1: Highlighting the Method, Focus and Characteristics

Metho

Focus Characteristics

Gramma

Translation Written literar

texts

Translate from English into your

native lan

Direct Method (also

called Natural Method)

Everyday spoken

language

Student learns by associating

meaning directly in English

Audio-Lin

ual Metho

Sentence and sound

atterns

Listening and speaking drills and

attern

ractice onl

in En

lish

Cognitive Code

Approach Grammar rules

English grammar rules deduced and

then understood in context

Humanistic Approaches

–

4 popular examples:

–

The Silent Wa

Student interaction rather

than teache

Teacher is silent to allow student

awareness of how En

lish works

–

Suggestopedia

Meaningful texts and

vocabular

Relaxed atmosphere, with music;

encourages subliminal learning of

English

– Community

Lan

e Learnin

Student interaction

Understanding of English through

active student interaction

– Comprehension

Approach (Natural

Approach, the

Learnables, and Total

sical Res

onse

)

Listenin

com

rehension

English speaking delayed until

students are ready; meaning

clarified through actions and

visuals

Communicative

Lan

e Teachin

Interaction, authentic

communication and

otiatin

meanin

Understanding of English through

active student interaction; role play,

ames, information

Content-based, Task-

based, and Participatory

roaches

What is being

communicated, not

structure of En

lish

Content based on relevance to

students’ lives: topics, tasks,

roblem-solvin

Learning Strategy

Training, Cooperative

Learning, and Multiple

Intelligences How to learn

Teach learning strategies,

cooperation; activities vary

according to different intelligences

Effective Methods of Learning English

343

Teaching styles have changed significantly over the

years. The traditional way that education was

delivered was through recitation and memorisation

techniques, whereas the modern way of doing things

involves interactive methods.

The traditional approach to education, also

referred to as conventional education, emphasizes a

back-to-basics method that is still prevalent in schools

today. This method involves recitation, where

students would take turns reciting the lesson while

others listened in silence. Students were expected to

study and memorize the assigned material. At the end

of the module, a written test or oral examination,

known as an Assignment Study Recitation Test,

would be administered.

Traditional teaching approaches focused on

rewarding students for their efforts, using class time

efficiently, and implementing clear rules to manage

student behaviour. These methods were rooted in

established customs that had proven successful in

schools for many years. Teachers were responsible

for imparting knowledge and maintaining

behavioural standards.

Progressive and modern approaches to education

have brought about significant changes in teaching

methods. These practices prioritize the individual

needs of students rather than assuming a uniform

level of understanding for all. The modern style of

teaching revolves around engaging students in

activities and utilizing techniques such as

questioning, explaining, demonstrating, and

collaboration.

One contemporary method is known as spaced

learning, where students are encouraged to switch

between different activities in rapid succession. For

example, providing a 10-minute PowerPoint

presentation on a subject followed by a 15-minute

sports session. The goal of spaced learning is to

improve academic performance, and it has been

proven effective. It is believed that this approach,

which deviates from traditional methods that involve

four hours of continuous teaching, helps the brain

establish connections necessary for retaining

knowledge. Additionally, it contributes to a more

relaxed learning environment.

Sonia Jackson, who authored an insightful blog

post on modern teaching methods for Getting Smart,

argues that the traditional approach of "chalk and

talk" that has persisted for centuries now yields

inferior results compared to the innovative and

contemporary teaching methods available today.

These newer approaches place a strong emphasis on

fostering greater student interaction, breaking down

barriers of authority, and prioritizing enjoyment of

the learning process over simply achieving high

grades.

Due to the reliance on repetition and rote

memorization, traditional teaching methods often

limited students' development of critical thinking,

problem-solving, and decision-making skills. On the

other hand, modern education promotes collaboration

among students, leading to increased productivity.

However, it is important to note that both traditional

and modern teaching methods hold value and

effectiveness in the contemporary educational

landscape. Sarah Wright, a blogger for TES,

highlights the significance of finding a balance

between the two approaches, understanding when the

traditional methods are most suitable and recognizing

appropriate times to explore new and innovative

techniques.

In the modern era, there is a need for a fresh and

innovative approach to teaching foreign languages.

The primary objective of today's education system is

to awaken a child's desire to learn, excel in new

knowledge and activities, and actively shape their

own educational path. Students are encouraged to

independently explore, discover, and analyse

materials, while the teacher's role is to guide them

effectively. The teacher must skilfully structure

lessons in a logical manner that sparks students'

interest in learning English. The traditional method of

memorizing words and practicing grammar has

proven to be ineffective. The search for new teaching

methods stems from the lack of motivation among

students to learn English. Often, students face

difficulties in learning a foreign language and

struggle to grasp the material due to psychological

factors. It has been observed that incorporating

various modern resources and approaches not only

piques students' interest but also enhances their

motivation to study.

Teaching methods are the process of interaction

between the teacher and students, as a result of which

there is a transfer and assimilation of knowledge,

skills and abilities provided by the content of training

- Skehan [1996].

The teaching method is a complex and

interconnected system that encompasses various

characteristics essential for its classification. By

combining different forms of work and techniques, it

allows for creative organization of lessons, sparking

students' interest in the subject. Teaching

communication skills and mastering speech are

important goals of modern techniques. Furthermore,

each method in teaching English as a Foreign

Language (EFL) has unique features resulting from

the combination of approaches, methods, and

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techniques. Some methods are more popular and

widely utilized than others, and new methods are

continuously being developed. As a result, university

teachers can choose the most suitable method for their

work. In academic lyceums, task-based and project-

based methods are commonly employed for

communicative purposes when teaching foreign

languages.

An important advantage of the method is that it

has a variety of tasks: role-plays, discussions,

debates, etc. According to Willis [1996], there are six

types of tasks:

 Listing tasks: For example, students might

have to make up a list of things they would

pack if they were going on a beach vacation.

 Sorting and ordering: Students work in pairs

and make up a list of the most important

characteristics of an ideal vacation.

 Comparing: Students compare ads for two

different supermarkets.

 Problem-solving: Students read a letter to an

advice columnist and suggest a solution to the

writer’s problems.

 Sharing personal experience: Students

discuss their reactions to an ethical or moral

dilemma.

 Creative tasks: Students prepare plans for

redecorating a house.

3 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the objective of these approaches and

methods is to achieve proficiency in spoken language

and develop effective communication skills. Through

the use of communicative methods in teaching,

students become more engaged and active

participants. In this case, the teacher's role is to

effectively involve every student in classroom

discussions. The essence of this method lies in

creating authentic communication scenarios. By

engaging in dialogues, students have the opportunity

to apply their acquired knowledge in practical

situations.

In a communicative approach, the primary

objective is for students to effectively learn and apply

a spoken language for communication purposes. The

teacher's role shifts to that of a task setter, while the

students' active participation becomes the main focus.

The teacher's task is to encourage everyone in the

class to engage in conversations. This approach

emphasizes creating authentic communication

scenarios where students can put their acquired

knowledge into practice. During communicative

tasks, students take on a more active role, often

leaving their seats to complete assignments. This

increased responsibility fosters confidence in using

the target language more proficiently. Teachers in

communicative classrooms speak less and listen

more, taking on the role of active facilitators in their

students' learning process.

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