Speaking recently with our students at Carole Brown Idiomas, we have been asked how to advance learning outside the classroom.There is no doubt that there are many language tools available but we have chosen three in particular to share with you.
1) Podcasts
2) Series
3) Graded Readers
1) Podcasts
What is a podcast?
A podcast is like an “Internet Radio” On-Demand.”. It’s similar in that you can usually listen to it on any device including laptops, tablets and mobiles but it isn’t confined to just audio it can be video as well.
Where did the name podcast originate?
The “pod” of podcast is borrowed from Apple’s “iPod” digital media player; and the “cast” portion of podcast is taken from Radio’s “broadcast” term.
What is its purpose?
Listening to a podcast helps you retain more information than when you are reading. You can listen to them at your own leisure, and as many times as you like. They are a wonderful way to get to listen to both experts and amateurs alike talking about their subject of choice. There are a host of podcasts available for English Language Learners i.e. BBC World Service 6 minute English, ESL Pod, TED Talks, 5 Minute English etc.
2) Series
Why choose a series?
Series can help English language learners improve various skills, including listening comprehension, vocabulary building and speaking.When watching a series you can practice listening to words and phrases in context. The visual elements provide clues to help you understand unfamiliar vocabulary and expressions. As your vocabulary increases and you get more exposure to native speech, your conversing ability increases too.
How can they help improve my English?
The most important advice is to find a series that interests you. Netflix and HBO provide a wide range of engaging material for you to choose from.
A useful way to build up your vocabulary and pronunciation is to follow these tips:
1) Pick an episode from your favourite series
2) Watch it once with English subtitles and write down new words and expressions
3) Watch it again after one day, three days and six days, until you have memorised the new phrases and their sounds. It is advisable to have the subtitles on each time, so you can see the words in repetition while recalling their sounds.
4) Practise repeating the new phrases and sounds as they come up whilst watching the episode
3) Graded Readers
What is a graded reader?
Graded readers are “easy reading” books used to support the extensive reading approach to teaching English as a second language. They can be adapted from literary classics, films, biographies, travel books, etc., or they can be original works written at a less demanding language level. Although they employ simplified language, graded readers do not necessarily lack narrative depth or avoid complex themes; often, they cover the same range of ‘serious’ themes as books written for native speaker audiences.
How useful are they in learning English?
Graded readers can help learners build their confidence in reading and in so doing extend their vocabulary. They can make a useful addition to exposure of authentic reading texts, even at very low levels.
Where are they available?
Many ELT publishers produce graded readers for a wide range of levels i.e. Macmillan Readers, Pearson English Readers, Burlington Books etc. They range from classic stories (Pride and Prejudice) to blockbuster film titles (Love Actually), including some of the world’s best-loved authors (J.K. Rowling) and the greatest stories ever told (Anna Karenina).