German diary: Keeping up the good work

Learning a language directly in the target country has its advantages, one of them being in constant contact with the language, but for those learning it in an EFL context creating this contact demands making the time to sit to do something with that language and through that language. Any teacher teaching learners in EFL context should understand that we teachers are in constant contact with the language because we teach it (if we are non-native speakers) and perhaps we like it so much that we also read, watch movies and listen to podcasts/music in English. As a language learner, I see exactly what learners go through when they are learning it in a classroom. Keeping up the good work is hard. It demands discipline. Learners who had not time to even do their homework because they were unable to prioritize learning another language. Or when they miss classes because they have to study more for college, work extra hours or do something with or for the family. These all very often sound like excuses, but I got myself thinking today if the reason might be because we have nothing to push you into it and the lack of natural contact.

Days 5,6,7 and 8

The last 4 days with family and work having the priority, German learning was left aside. My goal was to read at least one paragraph of the book a day and play around with Duolingo. My coaching goal in Duolingo was 50 points, soon after I got back to work I had to go down to 30 and in the following day to 20. Yesterday, I was not even able to do that. Actually I had the time, but I had also other things which I thought was more interesting and important. I also haven’t touched the book in the last 4 days leaving me really behind with the goals I had set for myself.