How to Use ODE to Learn English
So I’ve heard a lot of you out there are just listening to the podcasts, but not doing any other work on the site. I realized we haven’t fully explained how to use all of the wonderful tools we have on the website (except in the New User Guide).
First, slow down and just listen to one or two podcasts a day. You can’t learn everything in one day or one week. If you study 3 or 4 podcasts each week, you will be doing great 6 months from now. Set a date and start learning (New Years is coming, and it’s a tradition in many countries to make promises to yourself on that day, usually for self improvement - we call these “New Years Resolutions.”)
Which podcasts do you study? Well, find a level that suits you first. Listen to one or two podcasts from each level and decide which level you are. For example, if you find Upper Intermediate is good for you, stick with it - study other podcasts at that level. You need to understand the basics of the conversation between the hosts to learn much from the podcast. Of course it should be a little bit difficult; it has to be a challenge. Once in a while, listen to a lower level in order to review or if the topic is one you have trouble with. Also once in a while try a lesson from a more difficult topic to see if you’re ready to ‘graduate’ to a new level. If you listen to every podcast that’s fine, lots of students do that, but concentrate on the level you think is appropriate for you.
I would also encourage everyone to find topics they’re interested or need (now) for work. You’ll be much more likely to really learn and remember the target language and actually get chances to use it. Find the lessons you want using the Podcast Archive, which I’ve blogged about here (it also has its own tag here).
Now, how do you use our system to learn better and faster?
Put the lessons on your MP3 player. Download the lessons by right-clicking on the link, or using podcast software (podcatchers) like iTunes. See our RSS explanation here, to find out more.
Listen to the lessons on your way to work, then spend a few minutes before you start work or at lunch, reviewing the lesson online - this is where you can really learn the new words and phrases. Follow these steps:
1. Click on the “Review Materials” to study the lessons in more detail.
2. Go over the dialogue transcript (html page) and listen sentence by sentence. Use the rollover for any words you’re unsure of - add interesting ones you want to review later to your WordBank with just one click.
3. Check the Expansions section to see new language used in sample sentences. Listen and read the sentences, and make sure you know a) the meaning, and b) how to use the new language.
4. Do the exercises to make sure you’re really learning everything.
5. Then listen one last time (at work, on the bus/subway, at home, shopping, wherever).
6. 3 days later, review the same lesson to see if you remember and retain the target language.
7. Make a schedule to periodically review lessons you’ve already studied. If you can’t remember what you have and haven’t learned, use My Course to track your studies.
8. Post comments on the website to ask questions, and tell us what you want. If there’s a lesson you need, we’ll make it. If you notice mistakes or have problems, tell us about it - we’ll find solutions as quickly as possible.
Remember, studying our podcasts by themselves won’t make you fluent. You need to use the online resources to really learn new words and phrases and how to use them. Naturally you must find chances to speak English as well. Work is an obvious choice for some people, but for those not working with English speakers, see this blog and this other one to find out how to improve your English Environment to find opportunities to speak English and become fluent.
Ok, what are you waiting for? - try it out!
Kris
