As students learn English, too often they become obsessed with the future. They think, “someday I will speak English fluently and then I’ll be happy.” But in the present, they are miserable. They are miserable in their boring English class– sitting in a small chair, scribbling in a notebook, memorizing word lists, analyzing extremely boring grammar rules. They are also stressed because they know their English speaking is not improving quickly.
This is not the way to learn English. Indeed, it’s not the way to learn anything. Of course, most students are merely following the learning system they know best– a learning system created by boring, tired, stiff, and ineffective teachers and bureaucrats. This is the only system most students know. They grew up learning in this way– from elementary school through graduate school.
However, you must never confuse “education” with “learning”.
True learning is a celebration. True learning is active, fun, energetic and exhilerating. Human beings are naturally designed to learn. When we are truly learning (not just being “educated”) we automatically feel great.
How can you learn English in this way? How can you rediscover the excitement and happiness of learning– right now?
Mostly you must unlearn your ideas about education. Teachers taught you to sit still, be quiet, and obey.
You must do the opposite– move your body as you learn, be loud, and break all the rules. In my seminar, students were shocked (in a good way) by my teaching methods. Immediately, I had them standing and dancing to music. They looked at me like I was crazy!
But that was just the beginning. As the 5 hour seminar continued, I continually raised the energy level. Students didn’t just dance a little bit– they jumped, they yelled, they moved powerfully. They energetically and enthusiastically partcipated in every minute of the class. During five full hours, the energy level never dropped.
The seminar was more than just an English class– it was a celebration of learning. As the students walked out the door at the end they were laughing and glowing. They were excited and they felt great. They had learned a tremendous amount in a short time– more than they had thought possible. And they loved it.
The problem with most teachers is that they have such low expectations of themselves and their students. They are content to be “average” or merely “good”. And so they create average boring classes.
You should demand more. Demand more from your teachers and demand more from yourself. Insist that your English learning experiences be absolutely fantastic. Insist on an enthusiastic celebration every time you learn English. Insist on excitement. Insist on excellence. Insist on tremendous results.
Do not settle for less.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:45 am
dear sir
this is the first day i have started working with your system .i found it very useful
many thanks
April 15th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Today 15th of April 2009 I start to follow your learning methods. I hope, I will speak clear English soon. Thank you very much.
Shamila, Sri Lanka
April 17th, 2009 at 8:16 am
I just want to thank you so much for your apperciation and assistance ,I am very happy for you because I had your web .I need to down load above message which is learning english as acelebration now .finally thank you so much .
April 18th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Almost two months now since I order your lessons…now here I am talking to my american colleague nowing that I can understand and reply to them easily. Thanks A.J. God bless and more power…
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:54 am
Great article
April 24th, 2009 at 4:18 am
Hi,A.J Hoge! I read your 4 rules
about learning English.I trust your method of learning English
is useful.And I wish you would help me more.thank you so much.
I look forward to e-mail every day.
April 24th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Hi A.J Hoge,
Thank you very much for helping me to improve my english level and I think this system is very useful and simple as you said any body can use it any time and every where. really I like this method and If I follow this method I’m sure that I”II get my target.
Thank you Very Much.
April 24th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Hi AJ,i want to thank you so much since you have helped me to improve my english and to speak it easily.Before,i tried many methods to learn english,but there were meaningless.Now,with AJ lessons,i am self confident,con speak the language easily without embarrassement,so iam happy.Thank you again AJ,you are great
April 25th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Dear Sir!
Your methods are very useful
thank you very much
May 7th, 2009 at 9:47 am
I’M VERY HAPPY TO LEARN ENGLISH WITH YOU AND IMPROVE MY LEVEL THANKS TO YOUR BEST METHOD AT ALL…
A GREAT CONGRATULATION TO YOU..
naima
July 10th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hi! AJ. Every articles are so good for me. My English much more improving.
September 24th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
thank you Aj iam happy because my language has improved
Before I found your site I was sad but now I’m happy
Thanks again and I wish you a happy life.
December 26th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
hi i would lik to laerning english
February 6th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
I’m from Colombia and I want to learn English in the best way possible … I q this is the best way. thanks
July 6th, 2010 at 11:55 am
Hi Sir:
it is very useful for everyone who will learn english well after I heard your posted MP3 and easy text.
it is a good material, and it is easy understand.
thanks for you
Peter.Lai