#News: new study on bilingualism

_{Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Pexels.com}

A new study by New York University scientists found that our brains have an in-built sharing and combining mechanism for words which is ideal for developing bilingualism.

Read about it here: Study by NYU

Create the best online learning environment

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Most people only think of the platform or app they use when they think about online learning environments. (Zoom, Google Classroom, Thinkific, etc.) Creating an effective learning environment is so much more than just the app you use. Teachers and students realized during lockdown that having a quiet and organized space for learning is essential. Unfortunately not many are able to create the perfect environment due to space or tech restrictions but there are still a few adjustments you can make to have a more organized and effective space.

• You’ll need more space for cables and devices so make room for them in advance.
• If it’s possible have more than one device ready for the lesson in case one stops functioning properly.
• Remove all food or drink from your immediate surroundings and put them further away from your device.(Yes, the coffee mug too..)
• Put the device you use on a flat surface, preferably on a table.
• Do not study in bed. While it’s tempting if you’re just revising or reading a text, it signals rest and it’s not helping in keeping focus.
• Avoid multi-tasking with social media.
• Schedule in frequent breaks for relaxation, eating and drinking. Online learning is more stressing for the eyes so make sure to have pauses to
• Have a way to take notes during live lessons either on a notepad or use a note taking app.
• Put books and other study materials close to you so you can use them if technology fails during a live lesson. Never rely solely on websites, pdfs and docs to deliver your lesson or to answer questions.

Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels.com

Learning online (or teaching) is very different than just browsing, watching shows, or playing a game so you’ll need a dedicated setup.

#Infographics: Blended learning/E-learning

The 3 components of blended learning/E-learning

The 3 main components of Blended learning/ E-learning:

I. learning

II. practice

III. implementation

5 essentials every language learner should have

Even now in the age of digitalization and online learning, one should always have paper exercise books and vocabulary exercise books alongside all other online tools and platforms they learn from. Adult learners usually dismiss the usage of paper notebooks and exercise books, thinking that they’re only for kids learning in school but it’s a mistake. Writing requires different parts of the brain to be activated than just reading, watching, or listening to the material, and usually, words and expressions can be remembered better when we write them down as well.

Also, a typical mistake to rely heavily on online dictionaries and not have a physical dictionary book. This becomes a problem the more you advance in your learning. A monolingual dictionary is essential in the advanced stages of learning as not every word in every language can be easily and exactly translated into a word in another language. Also, the simple act of looking up a word in a physical dictionary can help in remembering.

Practicing with others has great benefits even if they’re not native speakers. The engagement and the need for communication help in the retrieval and retainment of words and expressions.