Learn a new language

You might choose to use your MOOC time to learn a new language. There are SO many different languages that you could choose, from one you might want to use when you go on holiday (such as Italian or Spanish) to something more unusual and challenging (Japanese or Russian).

There are many benefits to studying a new language, here are just some of them:

1. Open up a world of new job opportunities

2. Work a different part of your brain/skills

3. Establish cross-cultural friendships

4. Get a different perspective on your own culture

5. Become more interesting and talented

6. Be safer and smarter in tourist hotspots

7. Become a better learner

8. Conquer your fears or insecurities

9. Improve your understanding of English

10. Build your confidence as you conquer challenges

 

This MOOC relies on you being VERY independent and self-managing. You will also need to divide your time a little differently. Instead of a full hour once a week, it will be much better to spend 10 minutes a day on your chosen language.

 

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

1. Download one of these apps.

 

Duolingo gives you a series of tasks to do daily, will send you reminders and will gradually raise the difficulty level of the content you are given. You will be asked to remember, spell and speak words and then sentences. There are a wide range of options of languages available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Memrise works in a similar way, but also teaches you memory skills as they use different memory techniques to help you remember content. Images and 'memes' are used as memory aids. The app also works on the principle that you need to repeat content regularly to embed the learning, and will assess what and when you need to revisit content.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Decide which language you are going to learn and get started!

Post a comment on the blog telling everyone what language you have chosen and (if you would like to) why.

 

3. Every week, post at least once to this blog, sharing a new word or phrase you have learnt that week.

 

NOTE: You can begin the apps at different levels of difficulty, so if you studied a language for GCSE and want to keep it up, you have the option to do that and start on a higher level.