Most of us know, intuitively, that the best way is to learn English naturally. Yet, so many students still choose to use unnatural, ineffective, old methods of learning… and they continue to be frustrated. Why is it so scary for some students to switch to natural, effortless methods?
The answer, of course, is our education system. All over the world, we have an industrial, factory style of education. Students sit passively– memorizing information through boring rote. They listen passively to lectures and take notes.
Anyone who understands the brain and how we learn knows that this factory education system is extremely ineffective. Learning in school is totally unnatural.
So why are we taught this way? Because the central role of school is not to feed our minds, but to teach us to follow the rules and train us to be obedient employees. That’s the sad truth. In fact, in some countries, some education officials in the government openly admit that they don’t care if students develop English fluency. In Japan, for example, many officials say that the purpose of English class is not to learn English, but to train students to be more disciplined.
In other words, these officials believe that students become stronger by forcing themselves to memorize useless and boring information. It’s no surprise that few Japanese students become fluent English speakers- unless they learn English outside of the school system.
Of course, Japan is not the only country with such a system. Very few school systems teach English naturally.
What’s even sadder is that private English conversation schools are strongly influenced by the government school systems. And so, in these private conversation schools they still use textbooks, drills, and grammar memorization as their primary methods.
To learn English naturally, you must leave the education system completely and become an indepedent learner. You must choose a listen-first method and focus most of your energy and time on listening to understandable English. Listening is the foundation of natural English learning. It is the core skill and you must master it before you focus on anything else.
This does not mean, however, that you must be alone. While focusing on listening, you can still join an English learning community and communicate with other members. In our Effortless English Club, for example, members communicate on our Forums and by talking to each other on Skype. They focus their study time on listening, but they still enjoy speaking and writing to each other socially.
This natural learning community is fun, friendly, and energetic– the opposite of most school classrooms. There is no pressure– just friendly encouragement and support.
This is the natural way to learn– easily, effortlessly, socially, and independently. This is the way children naturally learn, before they enter school. This is the way our brains are naturally designed for fastest and best learning.
So, there is nothing to fear. It is time. Leave the old education system. Let it go. Let go of the pressure, the stress, the fear and the boredom.
Become a natural, independent learner and learn English faster, more easily, and more enjoyably.
March 17th, 2009 at 2:06 am
If I was a minister of education. I would change the boring, frustrating education system in my country . . . Indonesia. That’s my big dream
Change the old method of english learning together!!!
Yes! We can!
March 17th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I want to learn English
March 20th, 2009 at 3:21 am
“indonesia” hi..Mr.Aj thank you for your program, it really help me to improve my english,and I am very happy to get your 7 rule and you are my best teacher, thank u….thank u…!!! cake care.
March 22nd, 2009 at 10:21 am
I have told my students to join Effortless English Club.
It’s so amazing learning English with your way. Thanks AJ!
March 24th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Mr.Aj.
Thank you so much for improve my English. You are best english teacher . It’s so amazing learn English with you and your way.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Yes..you are right..we have to change to the right method of learning English..your method is very practical and proven as so many people around the world enjoy with their lesson..
Thanks alot…
March 26th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
You are just fantastic teacher!Thank you a lot for your great method to learn English! It`s really useful in my everyday learning! I listen your podcasts on mp3 player every day and just enjoy clear and understandable English!
March 31st, 2009 at 8:44 pm
thank you for your help, your learning methods are the best
April 4th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
. AJ Hoge:
I have finished his Effortless English course of 40 lessons and I found it fantastic. So far I had studied several courses of English, my problem had always been speaking and understanding, finally I have achieved it.
I am now starting to study your Developing a Business Course. Thank you very much with all my heart and I look forward to buy your new course: The Master Member Video Site.
My best regards for you from Tlalnepantla Mexico.
Enrique Castillo Padilla
April 5th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Hello dearest teacher
Thanks for all your support to encourged me learn English.
How wonderful teacher you are You know Iam proud of you thanks alot … thanks and all the best to you.
April 9th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Dear All,
I would like speak english well. therefore I joined this group. I hope that I will speak like native speakers untill end of this programme.
April 9th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
When started to study with efrotless english by website I couldn’t speak any english but now I am improvet in speaking english.
Waiting for more learning to improve me.
Thanks.
April 18th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Hi Teacher…
I absolutely agree with you written. I think naturaly is the best way to learn. Now I feel ready, happy and very grateful because I can learn and enjoy with your system..
Thanks!
///peace///
April 22nd, 2009 at 12:46 am
AJ, your English method is extremely inspiring and useful to millions of people, you change our lives and careers with the most precious gift of kaizen, thank you so much.
June 13th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Hi AJ, I find your method is extremely good and I am applying it for my children. You are not only trying to help people in English learning, but also to grow up in different aspects of life. Thanks Aj
June 26th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Hi
That’s really nice article. You are eligible for receiving prizes in teaching English to foreigners.Your scheme is the best one that I have ever seen right now!
July 5th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hi AJ.
I always read your advice. Thanks.
Aprianto – Indonesia
July 6th, 2009 at 3:26 am
Hi
It’s really a very nice article. Being a teacher I will also use this method in my class.Mr. AJ you are really great.Have a nice day.
July 6th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Hi A.J,…
what`s up my gorgeous teacher???thanks a lot for your English lessons and articles.i have changed and it`s great.i could speak english very well now.even my boss ( he`s a western guy )surprised, how comes????and the answer is easy,Effortless english.thanks god…thanks A.J…Thanks everyone,…..
odi-indonesia
July 6th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Odi, Wow– even your boss noticed!! Great success story!!
July 18th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Hi, A.J Hoge! how have you been? I suppose you are doing well, right? Well, i really appreciate the way you help people to improve their english speaking. Your methode is the best compare to traditional one. I’m one of those who are eagerly wanted to command english language, and don’t know how to achieve it. Owing to your methode, today my english is improving faster, and i start to speak quickly and automatically without thinking. I’m really motivated, and excited on doing it. Thank you, A.J for what you are doing for thansands and thousands of people learning English around the world. May God bless you, and keep you safe to continue this great job. Please, do have a nice day! Take care! Guy from Bangui,Central African Republic.
August 10th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Hi Teacher.
Your methods are realy incredible and useful.despite Im a lazy student even I excited
Take care A.J you are very important for us
August 11th, 2009 at 5:38 am
My dear A. J.,
I have been in schools and colleges for 25 years or so.Yet I feel I’m not easy and effective when talking on a subject to an audience.It does prove that tradional method is not the appropriat one to speak and write better English.
Your technique or suggestion to learn English naturally seems only natural to me. We must give a serious try to it. Please write more often on learning naturally;that will be of tremendous value to the learners I believe.
August 12th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Hi AJ,
This article was wonderful. You’re absolutely correct AJ, as always. I am using Power English and I am loving it. Sometimes I think to my self how I can understand everything and how my English skill are improving so fast and naturally. It is because the educational system wants we believe that to learn English isn’t a naturally thing, however it is.
So my dear friends, just relax, trust yourself and I am sure that you will learn English in the best way, like a child learns.
Congratulations AJ and please still written amazing articles as it to us.
Patricia – from Brazil
August 27th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
That´s Right! I totally Agree!
Thank you!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
Hi AJ!
I absolutely agree with you.
Why don’t you come to Malaysia to hold a seminar? Malaysia is just next to Thailand. =)
September 17th, 2009 at 9:48 am
When I met Effortless English 8 months ago, I’ve decided to study English by myself and not go to English Education Center. Many people don’t believe in me. Maybe they think I’m crazy student. But, I strongly believe in AJ’s method and I believe that I will succeed in speaking English fluently.
September 26th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
HI A.J.
THANKS A J FOR GIVEING ME CONFIDENCE TO IMPROVE MY ENGLISH KNOWLDEGE I JUST LISTEN YOUR FREE LESSION AND I GOT SO MUCH CONFIDENCE
A J I CAN NOT BUY YOUR LESSION PACK DUE TO MY FINANCIAL PROBLEM
SO I REQUEST YOU THAT CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME MORE LESSION TO LEARN
VINAYAK
INDIA
September 30th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
The “natural” method does not work!
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Thank you very much AJ HOGE , you are a great person .
November 1st, 2009 at 4:34 am
Hi AJ
That’s right Aj, we always use bad method to learn most of school think that when they use force way to teach leaner that is the right method and they think natural method is waste of time.
I believe that when you force children to learn something they feel it boring they will forget it so fast even if this subject is easy but if you don’t force them to learn and let them learn naturally even if the subject is difficult they will never forget it.
it’s nice Article AJ
Thanks
November 8th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Thank you AJ..You help me a lot in improving my English…I love U
November 8th, 2009 at 4:55 am
Hi, a J
That’s right Aj, we always use bad method to learn most of school think that when they use force way to teach leaner that is the right method and they think natural method is waste of time.
I believe that when you force children to learn something they feel it boring they will forget it so fast even if this subject is easy but if you don’t force them to learn and let them learn naturally even if the subject is difficult they will never forget it.
it’s nice Article AJ
thanks
mohammad – IRAN
November 13th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Hi AJ: All these is absolutely thrue. But I have a big big question? Of course is not a complain. Why your sistem doesn`t start since the beginning? How can a tell to my nieces there’s a great method to learn when this course is for intermadiate students?
Thaks for yur help.
November 19th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Hi AJ: I believe that all your coments are so depth and sharp. Beside that, your coments come together with a new point of view above the how the entire world is changing, the human being, the relations ships. And finally, as you say, learn another languaje must be a natural act, like walk, smile or even eat. Thank you for share your points of view.
Regards, Jorge
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
Iam very happy to your this articles this is best method to learn english I tell all my friends has problems in speaking about your advance method, I konw and understand very good before your method not understand enything in english your articles is very clear.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I’m very excited with your article and I believe that is the razon to know that the people doesn’t understand Englih very easy and always have to memorize all the phrases,because they don’t have the opportunity to be razonable what they want to say.
Some language are esy to learn and other are not, but it depeands of the teacher, what metod try to use.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Hi, teacher:
I realy appreciate your rules and advices for a natural way to learn English. I think, this is the only effective method if people like to learn a foreing languag. You are absolutely right.
I enjoy when reading everything I have found from you like this advice. Thanks a lot.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Hi, teacher:
I realy appreciate your rules and advices for a natural way to learn English. I think, this is the only effective method if people like to learn a foreing language. You are absolutely right.
I enjoy when reading everything I have found from you like this advice. Thanks a lot.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
English is very difficult!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
AJ
Hi!
Thank you for your method. My english is more better now.
and you inspired me to do my oun site, where all is about your Effortless English lessons on Russian and Estonian.
Thank you for help me and all my friends.I wish you success. Tania
December 16th, 2009 at 12:33 am
I am an English teacher and I think AJ is the greatest, his comments on education systems are spot on. Effortless English switches students on and takes away the fear, old methods scare and bore students all over the World and make English Language schools rich. Education should enhance not enslave. Many thanks AJ
December 16th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
To be honest I have very often a lot of doubts about effectivness of the AJ method. But I’m a new listener (for one month only) so maybe I need to be more patient to see the good efect of this. Does it really works as it was explained in this article?
December 18th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
thank you so so so so much.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hi my best teacher i really agree
with you thank you
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:34 am
Hi Mr.A.J
I enjoy your useful emails & listen to your advice in my learning process
every point you had mentioned here was absolutely right
I hope I can find someone to talk to on skype or MSN because it’s impossible to do it by myself
I made this group on MSN :
group1033116@groupsim.com
Ohoud
student from Saudi Arabia
January 12th, 2010 at 4:07 am
Dear AJ. I’m your student for only six months, My pronunciation has improved I fell relax speaking English, I bought Effortless English method and follow all the rules I practice every single day and can say this method works perfect, thanks a lot you are the best teacher ever I love you. I have recommended it all my friends.
January 29th, 2010 at 4:10 am
Hi, AJ,
I was searching for a way to learn English easily over the years since I meet you, but now I feel that I am progressing rapidly with your techniques and original Effortless English lessons.
I couldn’t buy Power English but still I am happy with your old lessons and I hope to start my courier as an English teacher in Sri Lanka who has a different system of teaching.
I have planned to teach small children by using your techniques.
Thank you very much for your service to people who are searching a way to learn English.
I really appreciate your service.
Thanks once again.
Take care
Bye.
August 30th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I always tell my students to use REAL English learning materials – books, radio programs, magazines, illustrated novels, TV series and films. I’m so happy that nowadays we have so many great resources on the internet – so everyone can access these materials from everywhere!
May 31st, 2011 at 2:59 am
Hey all ! i want us to chat more, so let contact with me on Skype
My nick is zen_5689
July 16th, 2011 at 6:34 am
Hi, AJ,
Your teaching method is very useful; I really appreciate your service and cooperation. Your technique is very advanced. I believe that by using your methods and techniques we can easily speak fluently.
Akhtar Mohammad Shinwari from Afghanistan
July 17th, 2011 at 6:58 am
What I appreciate the most about you is your active spirit and your belief in what you do.
Thank you for every piece of your work
maria
July 28th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Wow, that is really amazing. This method truly works. In the beginning, indeed I had a little doubt in, but very few days after using the 7 roles as well as the articles provided us every week, I felt so great progress in my study that I can not express in words. So Try it only once, then you will definitely feel the same in few days. Good luck, guys!
July 31st, 2011 at 5:28 am
thank you a lot, this is my start point.
August 1st, 2011 at 11:01 am
i have been always trying to follow the rules of effortless English. their advice is so nice and practical. if some one follow with out interruption he/she might got the real change.
Zekarias
August 11th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
I bought efforltess english , this is one of my the best decision in my live/ I listening the program half year / at the moment I turn tv for example CNN where very fast is speaker and understand 80% , I wath movie and all understand
August 12th, 2011 at 6:08 am
Dear AJ, Your teaching method is very useful; I really appreciate your style and effort on this techniques.I believe that using this techniques every one can speak fluently.
Regard,
Getahun Fekade, Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.
August 15th, 2011 at 1:03 am
Hi, A. J. . Thank you so much for improve my English. You are best english teacher. I allwais tell to my friends about Real English lessons. Thank´s
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:44 am
its a good artical for improving speaking english,thank you Mr.A.J
August 24th, 2011 at 12:21 am
Hello AJ, since I have started your lessons, I am still improving day after day.That’s not only because of your lessons,but it is about the way you teach and the non-linguistic factors that you use during your teaching. by mixing the self improvement and English which is a long term processes in order to achieve the results you want. I have everyday for one year (just few days to have my birthday with effortless English) listened to your lessons. when I talk to Americans in skype, in the first time, they wouldn’t believe that I speak English as a second language! thank you very much for your methods and your lessons. Actually you have changed the way I learn when it comes to studying. I am applying your methods(repetitions and the movements… )with my own studies (I am a mechanical engineer by the way)and I was amazed by the result I got. Thank you so much AJ not only for improving my English but also for changing my whole life and the way I think.
August 26th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Thank you teacher
I bet that’s the good way
My dream is speaking English like an american.
September 20th, 2011 at 9:41 am
its a good artical for improving speaking english,thank you Mr.A.J
September 24th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
one more times thank you teacher, Who teach me a way to learn English , That a good way because same anyone , My dream want speak English fluency, confidency
September 24th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Dear AJ,
In Viet nam , Nowadays Many people learn English at The Center Language and Progam of English at Public School But In fact we can not have skill English very well not confidency speaking with fogeiner , Now I knew method learn of English Aji hoge I like this this way learning English, The greater teacher AJ thanh you very much AJ
September 26th, 2011 at 3:51 am
It’s a good article and exactly. I like it.
October 2nd, 2011 at 8:37 pm
My English is going to better than yesterday.For this reason i am very happy and living possitive.Thank you AJ.
October 17th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Doubts can result in damaging students desire to continue anything. Learning a language really means you have to go through many obstacles.
October 28th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Hi, I am a kind of big fan of you. I am from S.Korea and I have been living in India for over 8 months. I had made my mind to come to India because I wanted to learn English. Honestly, I wanted to go to other English speaking country, for instance, US or British something like that. If I were a rich man, I would definitely go to those country. The sad(?) truth is, however, I am not. Even so, it doesn’t mean I don’t like being in India. I can tell India is the most amazing country in the world. Anyway, my point is I couldn’t agree with you more. Learning English is supposed to be enjoyable. The more stimulating what you learn is, the sooner you will familiar with it. And consequently, you will be excellent at English.
I take my hat off to you.
October 29th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
hi. your method is the best in the world. i wish i could convert all of English books (for example 504/1100 words /toefl books……) to effortlessenglish .
AJ if you do this you will be the best person in our planet !!!!!!! SUCH AS YOU ARE! I LOVE YOU
TAKE CARE
October 29th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
i did bad on my exams !!!! i can not study at college any more!!!! i listen to effortlessenglish with my MP3 PLAYER all the day….i want to change my major from mechanic to English( teaching )…. i fell in love …learning English is wonderful WITH AJ ….
October 29th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
DEAR AJ……….. YOU TURNED MY DREAM INTO REALITY
November 9th, 2011 at 2:59 am
Hi. I have learned Effortless English for two months. I wonder if i can improve my English in the future .Now i listen Effortless English lesson everyday . i really like it ^-^ !
November 14th, 2011 at 3:16 am
hi my teacher Aj:),just to let u know that i am always cheked my email n read all the in4mation that you send for me as a student.i promised my self to improve my english every day by listerning,ican understand when people speak,but i still not comfident to reply what the people have speak to me
.hopefully my english is much better by following your method rule day by day.Thank you,n by the way as a student iam plased u to comment my english 
tq.
November 16th, 2011 at 9:33 am
IT TAKES ALL OF MY TIME!!! im getting crazy… i can not listen to other podcast or cds .i can not study english books even for my toefl exam. 3 month ago i bought 15 books for the toefl . they are in the library now without any usage. because in obsessive behavior commentary lesson AJ explains clearly that even for the toefl you must learn easily without effort.Engish books are horrible !!! DEAR AJ i know you have no time to answer…but i say again
YOU TURNED MY DREAM INTO REALITY
thank you and i love you
November 18th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Hi Aj!
This article was wonderful.I am using Power English.It is really useful.I understand every words, the new ones too, without the transcripts.My English skills are improving fast and naturally. It is the right and best method to use.
Thanks and send to me other amazing articles.
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Thank you for advice! In the classroom we all are like rabbits in the headlight. Learning language is like creating order in your private room. Who would like to persist living in order created under pressure and under alien’s point of view?!
Thanks, A.J.
November 26th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
It’s simply true
Thanks, A.J.
December 19th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Nice, very nice dear AJ, I totally agree with you!
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:21 am
itisveryexcellent
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:25 am
thanksfor this criative method for teaching
January 6th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Hi AJ
I’ve been listening to your lessons for almost 4 months now and I really find it truly effective for it trains my brain to actually think of words to verbalize my ideas and opinions over a certain topic in English faster and spontaneously. I strongly agree also with what you have said in this article that one of the primary reasons why students doesn’t learn english that easily and effectively because of the traditional boring method of teaching which most us learned from traditonal old school. Students tend to get so scared and very anxious of what grade their teachers will give them and become so grammar conscious of what other people will say everytime they speak. I can personally attest to that based on my personal experience when I was still studying since I came from the Philippines where English is only our second language. Pilipinos really find it difficult and so scary to communicate in English verbally for the reason of being criticized by anyone. Pilipinos generally are grammar conscious people and that is the number one reason why they can’t speak English fluently. In addtional to that, when you don’t get to use the english language often in your daily communication, it would definitely be very hard. I just would like to thank you personally AJ for all the wonderful lessons. I really did not only understand all your lessons completely but also enjoyed all of them. It was undeniably the best way to learn English.
January 18th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
hi everyone, i love english, i’m obsessed with english but i’m not a good english speaker yet…i want to learn as fast as possible, i live in italy from when i was 6 it was easy to learn italian and i hope to learn speaking english as i speak italian but i can wait 10 years. I want to go to the college in the usa, and i have no time!!
thank you guys for your time i loved this forum:)
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Hi AJ
First I want to announce you that I have been selected for the nuffic scholarship in the Nethelands to pursue my PhD. I hope, this will be a great oppotunity fir me to improve my skills in speaking and writting in english. Hope all your advices will benefit me.