Blog 3

Language Learning Challenge 

My challenge: Yet again there will be some refinement of the language learning challenge in the blog. By the end of the language learning challenge I want to have memorized both the regular and irregular endings for the imparfait and conditionnel French tenses. As well as this, I want to be able to use them effectively in speech and distinguish the difference in listening. This is because it is more quantifiable then the previous challenge and also more useful for the French course I'm currently enrolled in.

                   

My Learning goal: My learning goal for the language learning challenge is, as previously mentioned, to improve my grammar and listening comprehension skills to a point where I feel comfortable talking in French to members of my French university course. More specifically, I would like to learn the French tenses of l'imparfait and the conditionnel

My learning styles and strategies: I am a visual learner as well as a kinaesthetic learner and find that I acquire information more effectively when I can see it in front of me and do it myself. This intertwines with the learning strategies of which I am intending on using, I’m of the opinion that it would be in my best interest to study regularly but in short bursts as this ties directly to effective strategy for the kinaesthetic learner.  This  week I did a strategy inventory for language learning (SILL) profile, the results of which revealed that I need to work on managing my emotions and remembering more effectively. In order to improve the "Managing my Emotions" strategy I am writing this blog to record and hopefully reflect on the language learning process. In my opinion the more important strategy that needs to be improved is "Remembering more Effectively" as it is a direct link to language learning, this can basically be improved by dedicating more time to studying.

                      

The technologies I am going to test: I have already had the pleasure of trying and using a multitude of digital platforms to assist me with French language learning, however have never utilised platforms such as streaming services (Netflix, YouTube etc.). I feel that this technology will be the most useful in developing listening skills, specifically I'm going to try a podcast called  "News in Slow French" as they use both the past and future tenses which will be useful. I tried the traditional online dictionary this week and it was more useful than duolingo, I will continue to use it as a resource to learn the imparfait and conditionnel tenses.

My plan: Nothing has changed since last week, my learning plan consists of learning as much as I can about the chosen technologies in order to be able to use them as effectively as possible and I think I have. As well as using the platforms, I’m going to use old-fashioned pen and paper to write down and reinforce what I’ve learnt from the variety of platforms. There will be a lot of repetition and writing as I find that this works best for me. This week I wrote 5 sentences 5 times this week using both tenses, I found that this worked well because it wasn't too arduous and I feel like I'm beginning to understand how to use the tenses correctly and effectively. I got the chance to listen to one podcast this week but due to a busy schedule was unable to take notes, however I am still under the impression that it was helpful just to listen to some French.

My evaluation approach: Last week I was under the impression that my learning goals were difficult to evaluate and the only tangible way to assess my progress will be with how comfortable I am during French class and the marks I end up getting for the course. Now I think that I can evaluate my learning plan, I will get one point for every sentence I write using the two tenses during the week and each week I will record my weekly score and try and beat it the next week.