Pros and Cons of Learning English Online

Paul Huber

Although it is spoken in more countries than any other language, English is known for being one of the toughest to master. English can be learned in a variety of settings, and one effective method is to enroll in an online English language course. This concept of self-directed, at-home language learning is not uncommon. Students have the flexibility to study whenever it is convenient for them, thanks to online setups made to be on-the-go. There are pros and cons to everything, but if you want to get the most out of your education, you need to know what they are. The following are some key considerations:

Pros

The strengths of online education are the reasons why more and more people are turning to it. Here are some of the benefits of studying online:

  1. You can study at any place you desire.

Anybody, regardless of where they reside or what time of day lessons are held, may sign up for an online course and study for as long as they choose from the convenience of their own home. There are no geographical restrictions preventing you from registering for a course at an English class offered virtually. With the advent of online education, students no longer need to be physically present in a classroom to participate. Many low-performing schools have seen an uptick in enrollment as a result of the new system, which also reduces administrative burdens associated with maintaining a consistent schedule.

  1. You can learn on your own schedule.

Online English courses provide you with the flexibility to study whenever it works best for you, unlike classroom-based education. Online courses provide students greater leeway in determining their own pace of study. This is a terrific chance to focus on the aspects of the language with which you are struggling. Time spent commuting is reduced, and, depending on the subject, you may arrange your class schedule independently.

  1. You can use and share resources easily.

The ability to quickly and easily disseminate newly acquired knowledge is a major benefit of online education. Softcopy materials given by online classrooms are both low-cost and low-maintenance. You can now easily send relevant documents and files to anyone through email or social media.

  1. You can save on unnecessary costs.

Enrollment fees, material fees, and assessment fees are just a few examples of the hidden expenditures that often accompany traditional classroom courses. Transportation costs to and from school are also a consideration. With online education, you can maximize your learning at your own pace, saving money that may be used toward boosting your productivity.

  1. Online learning caters to a wider range of learners and accommodates different approaches to education.

Individuals who are more comfortable studying alone in their own time at home might benefit from online education. It’s available anywhere in the world and may be modified to accommodate different learning methods.

It is possible to personalize an online course so that it meets the requirements of each student. Students may be categorized as either visual or auditory, as social or solitary, or as someone who learns best in a group or on their own. Because of the variety of tools and materials available, online education can accommodate a wide variety of learning preferences. As a result, it fosters an optimal educational setting that targets the widest possible demographic.

Cons

Although the benefits of online education far outweigh its flaws, it does have a few drawbacks. The following are some of the cons of studying online:

1. You can’t interact face-to-face with your teacher/classmates.

Learning relies heavily on the give-and-take between instructor and learner. And since it incorporates all four skills—writing, speaking, listening, and reading—the face-to-face technique is very effective. The majority of students seem to be more engaged in and get more quick feedback from a traditional classroom setting than they do from their online courses.

2. If you have low motivation and poor study habits in online settings, you might lag behind.

The absence of a physical classroom may be advantageous for self-motivated pupils, but it can also be a trap for those who are less self-directed. Because there is no set meeting time and no frequent, direct engagement with professors and classmates, you are less likely to stay on top of your work and be motivated to complete it. Students who don’t have the self-discipline to complete their work on time or study enough before tests may end up failing because they didn’t make the effort to communicate with their teachers by email or phone.

3. It can either be time-saving or time-consuming.

It’s more efficient than going to a traditional classroom since you can take your lessons from the comfort of your own home or another convenient place. But, due to poor time management and a lack of self-discipline, the process is prolonged. Without a routine, it’s easy to let things like distractions, multitasking, and not having a set place to study get in the way. 

Also, most online classes don’t have strict deadlines. When this happens, students stop attending lessons whenever they choose in the hopes of starting again at a more convenient moment. Doing this regularly will lengthen and complicate the learning process.

4. Online language immersion is not as effective as in-person learning.

Language immersion is a practical strategy that may help students in a variety of classrooms. The immersive mode is also often hidden from view while using remote guiding. Online courses and traditional classroom settings provide more personal learning experiences than  smartphone apps or desktop software. Most apps are great for memorizing words, but they aren’t helpful for learning how to use the vocabulary and grammar you’ve learned in a natural context. You won’t learn how to construct sentences in the most intuitive manner from them. To do so, you must engage in conversation, mingle, integrate, and debate with native speakers.

The takeaway…

While there are certain drawbacks to online education, the great majority of students are pleased with their experience and glad they opted for it over a more conventional classroom setting. E-learning is now altering the worldwide dissemination of training and information due to its primary benefits of convenience and affordability. 

Many prestigious educational institutions are increasingly incorporating cutting-edge technological tools into their course offerings and methods of training and development. The new technology also provides access to pedagogical tools that were previously unavailable. 

The Internet has unquestionably altered the landscape of how people acquire new skills and knowledge. Who among our learners today and tomorrow’s workforce will be prepared to take advantage of these newest possibilities?

Author:

Kate N. Sarador

Poly Languages Institute

A Drop in the bucket.

Paul Huber
  1. A drop in the bucket

A drop in the bucket means a small and insignificant amount compared to what is needed or desired. It refers to the idea of adding a drop of water to a bucket that is already full or nearly full, which will not make much of a difference in the overall level of the water.

Sample Sentences:

I know you’re trying to save money, but cutting back on your daily coffee won’t make much of a difference. It’s just a drop in the bucket.

Your $10 donation is appreciated, but it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the amount we need to raise for this project.

Increasing our advertising budget by $1000 is only a drop in the bucket for our company’s overall marketing efforts.

Although the government has promised to increase funding for education, the amount allocated is only a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed.

2. Shape up or Ship out

Shape up or ship out means that a person needs to improve their behavior or performance, or else they will be removed from their position or situation. The phrase is often used to warn individuals that they need to change their ways or face negative consequences such as losing their job, being removed from a project, or being excluded from an opportunity.

Sample Sentences:

The boss gave the unproductive team member a choice to either shape up or ship out of the company.

The coach gave the struggling player an ultimatum, telling him to shape up or ship out of the team.

The supervisor told the employee, who repeatedly came late to work, that he needed to shape up or ship out.

The director told the actors who were not taking the rehearsal seriously that they needed to shape up or ship out of the production.

5 Essential Study Guides to Learn English Faster

Paul Huber

Nowadays, it’s evident that everyone is in a constant state of hurry. We want to be able to communicate, travel, and even talk at a faster rate. However, there are times when we simply cannot move quickly. It’s common knowledge, for instance, that mastering an unfamiliar language requires considerable effort and time.

Although it can be challenging, learning a new language is not impossible. Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are the four components of learning any language. If you want to maximize your chances of learning effectively, you must understand how to learn quickly and remember what you’ve learned.

Learning English is almost necessary in the modern world since it is the language of international trade, higher education, and popular culture. Despite its reputation as one of the hardest languages to pick up, anybody can do so with the correct mindset and dedication to follow through.

That is why Poly Languages has laid out a plan for you. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the methods to deliver results quickly as well as an explanation of their efficacy. Let’s find out how:

  1. Spending a lot of time listening is essential for learning English, both from the start and later on.

Improving one’s ability to communicate in English is greatly aided by listening. Skill-wise, yes, listening comes first, but it’s not the easiest to do. In order to speak fluently, naturally, and effectively in English, it is essential that we be exposed to a wide variety of English sounds. It is innate in us humans to pick up on verbal cues by emulating others around us. The more often we hear a word or phrase, the more likely we are to remember it.

  1. Be very familiar with the sounds used in English.

If you don’t know how to pronounce all the sounds in English, you aren’t hearing words in English the way a native speaker does. You’re interpreting what they say through the lens of your first language. That is why it is vital to learn or even re-learn these English sounds.

Have fun exploring the English phonetic chart. Compare and contrast the recordings by listening to them. Having all the possible English sounds laid out in front of you at once helps you create a mental folder for each one.

  1. Think of patterns, not rules.

Pattern recognition helps our minds decide what to store for later and what to discard. It prepares the brain for better memory, which is crucial while learning a language since it facilitates the recollection of similarities between rules established by repetition.

And for sure, you have already invested some time in studying proper English grammar and spelling. Recall them as patterns rather than rules. These patterns of English grammar are a means of characterizing the language’s vocabulary and syntax. A grammar pattern reveals what clauses or phrases go with a particular adjective, noun, or verb. 

  1. Get in the habit of writing regularly.

One of the most useful ways to turn passive vocabulary into active language is through the habit of writing. It should be a regular part of your study habits if you want to see actual results. Journaling your daily activities is one of the most recommended options. It’s a fun and rewarding way to unleash your creative side. Writing can greatly help you improve your grammar and spelling, especially if you have the chance to have your work edited. 

  1. Talk to someone who speaks English well, whether it’s a teacher or a friend.

The best technique to improve one’s communication abilities is through engaging in conversation. Making friends with individuals who also want to improve their English is a great way to do just that. The convenience of modern technology makes this possible even when at home, through different apps online, connecting to millions around the world.

Another method is to enroll in an English course. It could be any set-up, either online or in person. But if you want the best of both worlds while learning English, opt for an online English teacher. In addition to the flexibility of studying from any location, you also benefit from personalized attention and assistance during your lessons. 

By studying English online, you may connect with individuals from all over the globe, stay on track with your studies, avoid going overboard financially, and make tremendous gains. 
No matter what you decide, Poly Languages Institute has you covered. If you would like to take synchronous English classes in person, we offer locations in both Los Angeles and Irvine. We also provide synchronous online programs and private lessons. For more information, contact us here.

Author:

Kate N. Sarador

Poly Languages Institute

Top 5 Effective Tips to Speak English Fluently

Paul Huber

Top 5 Effective Tips to Speak English Fluently

When did you first start learning English? Do you ever feel like you just can’t get the words out, no matter how much you study? Despite your extensive study time, you still have trouble constructing coherent phrases. With Poly Languages, we will share how you can achieve fluency, boosting your confidence in the process.

It is possible to acquire the skills necessary to speak English with ease, fluency, and consistency. No two students of English learning in the same manner, but everyone may benefit from a few simple strategies for rapid progress.

You need to know what constitutes a competent speaker before we can provide you with advice on how to speak English with confidence and fluency. Someone with this level of proficiency in English is able to converse effectively and comprehend the vast majority of written and spoken English. The next step is to practice speaking English in a natural way until you feel comfortable doing so. 

Well, what does it mean to be fluent in English?

By “fluent,” we mean able to communicate well in a given language. Some individuals consider a high level of proficiency in English to be a native-like command of the language. But there’s more to becoming fluent than just that. When you’re really fluent in a language, you can talk freely and confidently. 

If you are an international student who is interested in improving their English proficiency and/or someone who hopes to study in the United States, worry no more; Poly’s got you covered.

Tip # 1

Have a thesaurus and a dictionary within reach.

Cutting down on unnecessary repetition is one of the most obvious advantages of using a thesaurus. No one wants to struggle through an article or book just because the author reuses the same few descriptive phrases over and over again.

Meanwhile, by ensuring that you are utilizing the right words, an excellent dictionary may enhance your topic knowledge, communication skills, and academic performance. The value of dictionaries in the language classroom cannot be underestimated. Having access to a dictionary outside of class hours may be a huge help to international students like you, as it allows you to work out problems on your own without relying on an instructor.

The advantages of expanding your vocabulary with the help of a thesaurus and dictionary will become immediately apparent in your daily conversations.

Tip # 2

Focus on learning phrases rather than individual words.

Phrases, rather than individual words, are the most beneficial elements to study while acquiring a foreign language since they are easier to memorize and bring up at the right time. With this strategy, you may improve your command of the English language and the rate at which you acquire new vocabulary and grammar structures. 

No matter what your current level of proficiency is, learning useful phrases can rapidly give you the confidence to talk, study, and adopt the mindset that is essential for achieving ultimate fluency. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, you’ll have greater success getting your point across to native speakers if you stick to the most common expressions. 

Tip # 3

Recall and master basic grammar lessons.

The ability to speak English confidently and fluently depends on your command of proper grammar. If you study grammar, you can avoid making the kinds of mistakes that make your English seem unnatural to native speakers.

Using incorrect grammar can lead to sentences being meaningless and the message being unclear, which in turn can lead to misinterpretation by your listeners. Using correct grammar makes listening and reading easier for others to understand and can make the communication process more enjoyable. 

However, learning a language doesn’t require a lot of time spent consciously applying grammatical rules or doing exercises. Learning more advanced grammar won’t help your spoken English any after you’ve mastered the fundamentals, such as tenses, prepositions, verb forms, and subject-verb agreement. The principles of grammar are simple; all you need to do is grasp the fundamental ones.

Tip # 4

Technology is your best friend.

Students of English are benefiting from easier access to modern technology. They are now better able to keep up with regular independent study and appreciate the significance of their face-to-face sessions with professors and peers. 

Online English lessons are becoming more popular as a means to improve language skills through the use of technology. Online English classes provide you with the flexibility to study whenever it works best for you, unlike in a typical classroom setting. Online courses provide students greater leeway in determining their own pace of study. If you want to learn more about studying online and/or in the US, Poly Languages Institute has the perfect plan for you. You may contact us for more information.

Tip # 5

Incorporate the four-skill set: listen, speak, read, and write.

To be considered a “fluent speaker” of a language, one must be proficient in all four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In the language classroom, activities that target the four skills are vital because they provide students with scaffolded support, opportunities to generate genuine communication in real-life scenarios, tangible proof of learning, and most significantly, self-confidence. 

Whatever your objective, you should have a firm grasp on the set of abilities that will get you there. Effective communication relies on the ability to express oneself clearly and precisely, and the four language skills allow you to do just that. You’ll hone not only your speaking skills but also your ability to listen carefully. Also, keep in mind that being concise while yet conveying your point effectively in writing is a highly prized skill in the corporate world.

Therefore…

Learning a language is never complete; rather, it is a never-ending journey toward greater fluency. Even once you reach fluency, maintaining that level of proficiency in English will require continued study as well as practice. 

Consider this encouraging rather than discouraging, and remember to reward yourself for even the smallest steps forward in your pursuit of fluency in English! Keep going!

We would love to be part of your learning journey. Contact us

Author:
Kate N. Sarador
Poly Languages Institute