One of the main ways you can help improve your English is by becoming an ‘independent learner’.  This means that you try to take control of your own learning and maximise opportunities for language learning both inside and outside the classroom. The more responsibility you take for your own learning, the more successful you will be in your studies.     

Independent learning inside the classroom

With such a variety of activities and information in an ESOL class, (e.g. exercises, games, vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading, etc.) it can be difficult to take clear notes.  Taking the right materials to class can help you.  For example,

Ø      Taking notebooks to collect things such as vocabulary or grammar and keep this separate from practice work.

Ø      Taking a homework diary to write down what your homework is and when it is due (there is a Homework Diary in the Downloads section of this website).

Ø      Taking a pen, a pencil, a sharpener, a rubber and some paper.  You could also bring a dictionary and a folder to store your notes.  Your teacher will tell you which books you could buy.

In class, try to relax and do your best to make a good atmosphere.  In order to learn a language, it is important that all learners feel comfortable trying out new language (and making mistakes!).  It is therefore important that all students respect each other.  Also, remember to turn off your mobile phone so as not to disturb others.

In class, think about how you will organise your ESOL studies. The Personal Learning Plan in the Downloads section of this website will help you to think about what you want to learn and how you might do this.  If you’d like more advice on how you might organise your studies better, ask your teacher.

 

Independent learning outside the classroom

Homework

Your ESOL teachers will encourage you to continue your language learning outside the classroom by setting homework and it is important that you set time aside each week for this.  At least two or three hours self-study per week is necessary for students to consolidate their learning from class and to enable progress. When your teacher sets homework, make sure you make a note of this.

Free-time

You will also be encouraged by course teachers to practise your English in more informal ways by watching films and TV, reading newspapers, magazines and books or using the internet.  Visit your local or college library and make use of any ESOL books in the library and the free Internet access.  

Virtual Learning Environment

All ESOL students in Glasgow can access Langside College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which provides access to a variety of online ESOL learning materials.

 

Instructions for using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) ESOL Resources

1.       Go to www.langside.ac.uk
2.     At the bottom of the page, click on Blackboard
3.     Click on login

 

 

 

 

 

These are the logins and passwords for different ESOL levels:

 

If you want to use general ESOL resources choose your level course (e.g. ESOL: Elementary)

If you want to use SQA courses use choose the SQA course

 

 

Instructions for using the SQA ESOL VLE Resources

1.       Click on Course Materials
2.     Click on click here
3.     Choose the correct SQA level
4.     Choose the correct SQA Unit
5.     Choose the correct lesson

 

Think about how you can practice your English outside of class.