It probably had to happen sooner or later. Because sooner or later there comes a time when a person either feel the need to share something more systematic, or is looking for like-minded people. I've been thinking about creating a community here before. But I didn't think it would be related to learning English...
The idea of this community appeared not out of inspiration. It was born out of necessity. As it turned out, despite the age of 50+, my training is not over and life continues to set me more and more new tasks. And it doesn't care that if I'm not old yet, I'm definitely lazy enough š
I work as a lecturer at the university. But Iām not a teacher of English. I teach law and I can't say that my work is strongly related to writing English-language texts, international studies and communication. Or, more precisely, yes, but there are online translators and other smart devices for this. Still, law is the sphere where the national aspect prevails. But at some point, English ceased to be "desirable". It became necessary. Formally, because of the university requirement to pass the ECL exam. I've already told you a little about it. But now, starting to write in the community I created, I want to systematize my scattered posts about it.
I knew English. My English is not perfect, but it is enough for my needs. Like most people of my age, I studied it at school, university, used it from time to time. I could read texts, understand the general meaning, write something. But I have a pretty serious exam ahead of me. The exam is different from the everyday use. Preparation for it requires systematicity, and knowledge - confidence, brought to automatism. That is, my task now is to move from the level of "once taught" to "confidently masterā.
And this is where the part of history begins, which is familiar to many adults
Learning English to an adult is not the same as teaching it at the age of 20. I havenāt enough timeā¦ I have my jobā¦ I have responsibilities to my family and animals. I'm tired at last... There are days when there is only one wish left in the evening - that no one touches. Some adults also have a fear of looking stupid, but not me because I always speak on public and itās a usual thing for me. At least I don't need to worry about thatā¦
But there is my age what is characteristic. And there are new difficulties that no one has canceled. Sometimes I feel an irritation that what should be simple turns out to be difficult. Memory, attention, concentration... They are still normal. But at the same time they are not as good as they were thirty years ago.
What is wrong about English language courses for me
Time, time and time again... And not even the lack of time. It can always be found when it is really necessary. But my schedule is unstable. I don't always know what it will be like the next day. In addition, there is a war, ballistic attacks, and for online classes - a blackout and unstable Internet. All this can lead to the fact that I will pay for the courses, but I will not be able to attend them regularly and effectively.
And there is one more problem. Tuition fee. When I started looking for English courses suitable for my purpose, I was, to be honest, shocked. Demand generates supply and greatly affects the price... Market rules... The cost of courses which are preparing for the ECL test is equal to my monthly salary. Sometimes - more. In addition, you will need to pay for the exam. This is a quarter of my salary. And at that moment I had a completely logical question: what is the guarantee?
? A guarantee that I will really learn ?
? I guarantee that it will suit me ?
? A guarantee that in a few months I will not be at the same point, but without this money. ?
The answer was honest: there is no any guarantee
But I, as a professional teacher, also looked at it from the other side: what they give?
There is a teacher. There is a program. There are classes.
That's great. But this is a standard set.
But the final result still depends on one person - on myself.
But if the result still depends on me, maybe I can try to do it myself? After all, a methodology is a methodology. From the word methodically. And as for educational materials, we live in a wonderful time when many of them are freely available.
I started studying on my own. Just step by step.
I did it for a month and I became much more confident in my English. Moreover. What was a necessity turned into a hobby. I realized that I won't drop out of my classes after the exam. I was especially fascinated by classical English literature. I discovered authors I've never heard of before. And then I decided to create this community.
It won't be some system classes. It's not necessary, there are enough such places. But I often find interesting materials. And I will share them here. And everyone who learn and love English can do the same. This is a place for like-minded people. Especially for those who learn English as an adult.
ā