Use out-of-work immersion practices — reading, original-version media, and speaking with native speakers — to develop English outside the workplace¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The study's participants developed English outside work through self-directed practices the author offers as models for EFL students. These included reading "books, magazines, and the internet frequently in English", making "an intentional effort to watch movies and TV in English, never missing an opportunity to listen to the original version", and speaking with native English speaking friends. The author states understanding these best practices could help current EFL students in their own self-directed learning tasks.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to English-language reading material, original-version television and films, and opportunities to speak with native English speakers.

Constraints¶

• The article notes that in Spain, original-version television and films are difficult to find compared to other EU countries, which participants said negatively influenced English improvement.

Target Learners¶

• Adult EFL learners, particularly professionals using English at work

Target Learning Goals¶

• Developing and improving English outside formal instruction

Related Strategies¶

• Teacher strategies for alleviating EFL speaking anxiety: warm atmosphere, encouragement, L1 use, and learner-centered activities

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Jeffrey Wallace Judge. (2012). Use of Language Learning Strategies by Spanish Adults for Business English. International Journal of English Studies, 12(1), 37-54. http://www.um.es/ijes