Guide to Effective Study Habits

• Get used to spending time everyday with your foreign language textbook.
• Study on a regular basis and always include a review in your study.  Language study is a building process so you need to review past material to learn new material.
• Study out loud or with a friend.
• Listen to the target language as much as possible.
• Write out material you need to learn.
• Divide your study time into small units.
• Test yourself.  Find out for yourself what you don't know.
• Mnemonic devices improve memory.  Find a gimmick, a picture, an English word, or a formula to help you remember.  Use humor and make it fun.
• Be creative.  Use labels and flash cards.  Act out verbs and prepositions.  Color and categorize words and phrases.  Repeat, write and record new words.  Put words in sentences for context.
• Watch cable TV or rent foreign films that are suitable.
• Learn from your mistakes.  It is nearly impossible to be perfect in any language!

Guide to Effective Classroom Habits

• Come to class prepared.
• Listen attentively to everyone.
• Ask questions to make sure you understand.
• Paraphrase new concepts in your notes.
• When working in groups, try to speak only in the target language.
• Do the workbook and listening activities.  Take time to translate what you are writing and hearing.