Best way to learn English (for now)

[Tuanv 2]

My husband worked with me every day to teach me English. I can say that one idea he had really helped me & that was music. He brought me some Cds to listen to. I learned the words to the songs ( Alan Jackson for example ), then we talked about what the words meant; how a song is written. He also had me watch videos on You Tube of music & other subjects.

He also taught me to drive but like Jims family members I failed the test the first time. I failed before leaving the parking lot due to speed! Then forgot to slow in a school zone. Passed second time around.

We did actually try this. She likes it very much

Search for an English corner in her city. Many of the cities in Asia have these. For the most part it will be locals and college students trying to practice, but there will all so be some English speakers there from time to time. This will give her a chance to use English in conversations which will help a lot. I know my wife speaks very well and she reads and writes pretty well, but she has a tough time when English is spoken.

Rosetta stone is ok, but it does move incredibly slow. The "speaking the language from the first lesson" is misleading. Instant Immersion or Pimsleur are better for speaking english IMO just because they move more quickly making it more interesting to learn.

I have not try the other two programs. I will loom into it. Thank!

[Tuanv 2]

$40 per semester. It's dirt cheap. It's part of the adult school program run by the local school district. You should probably check with your school district and see if they offer something similar.

My step-son and step-daughter are also enrolled in the same ESL program, but they are each at different levels so they're in different classes. My step-daughter is almost ready to leave the ESL program and start the GED program (she left VN in the 11th grade). She took the entrance exam for the pre-GED class, but came up a tad short in English comprehension. She'll need at least one more semester in ESL. The timing actually works out good. By the time she finishes the GED program she'll have had her green card for a year, and will qualify for in-state tuition at community college.

Most definitively, $40 is incredibly cheap! My local school district does provide service to adults. I am going there right now to sign up for the waiting list.

[ScottThuy 140]

Free here through adult Ed and thuy starts in Jan. In vn software, classes and using it as often as possible is the best but music does help some.

[Fitzy 2]

I am currently an ESL teacher, and I know that many universities and community colleges offer free ESL classes (as Scott said, above). These adult education programs are largely volunteer-based. Just call local colleges and ask to speak with someone in the adult education or ESL program.

Many university education departments (if they have an ESL teacher training program) will also put you in touch with current students who are looking for one-on-one tutoring experience. Some of these students will volunteer their services, and others will charge only a small tutoring fee.

My students seem to benefit from several tactics, including:

1. Taking formal ESL classes in speaking, listening, reading, and writing (obviously)

2. Joining conversation groups (universities, community colleges, and community centers offer these). Learning a language is a largely social endeavor, so talking and listening with others is very helpful.

3. Spending a lot of time talking with native English speakers (make some American friends!)

4. Watching movies in English--subtitles can help

I hope this helps you and your wife. I know that learning English can be daunting, but she can be successful with a little help. She's lucky to have your support. Good luck!

[Tuanv 2]

I am currently an ESL teacher, and I know that many universities and community colleges offer free ESL classes (as Scott said, above). These adult education programs are largely volunteer-based. Just call local colleges and ask to speak with someone in the adult education or ESL program.

Many university education departments (if they have an ESL teacher training program) will also put you in touch with current students who are looking for one-on-one tutoring experience. Some of these students will volunteer their services, and others will charge only a small tutoring fee.

My students seem to benefit from several tactics, including:

1. Taking formal ESL classes in speaking, listening, reading, and writing (obviously)

2. Joining conversation groups (universities, community colleges, and community centers offer these). Learning a language is a largely social endeavor, so talking and listening with others is very helpful.

3. Spending a lot of time talking with native English speakers (make some American friends!)

4. Watching movies in English--subtitles can help

I hope this helps you and your wife. I know that learning English can be daunting, but she can be successful with a little help. She's lucky to have your support. Good luck!

I will call the local community colleges to see what they offer. Thank!

[ScottThuy 140]

I will call the local community colleges to see what they offer. Thank!

look online for your local school info ie k-12... most have websites and include contact info for ESL courses

[Tuanv 2]

look online for your local school info ie k-12... most have websites and include contact info for ESL courses

My local school district offers ESL program but most programs are located inside bad high schools (some of them are the worst schools in my district).

[Teacher Mark 53]

Here are some of the websites I use.

http://www.manythings.org/daily/'>http://www.manythings.org/daily/

http://www.manythings.org/

http://iteslj.org/questions/

This textbook is one of the best for learning American English, in my opinion. They sell it at Fahasa Bookstore.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0194740196/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=1278548962&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0194343588&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1GJ5HJSW3J72V6TNR4AF

[BinhJerome 14]

Here are some of the websites I use.

http://www.manythings.org/daily/

http://www.manythings.org/

http://iteslj.org/questions/

This textbook is one of the best for learning American English, in my opinion. They sell it at Fahasa Bookstore.

http://www.amazon.co...JSW3J72V6TNR4AF

Funny that you like that Oxford Picture Dictionary, that is one of the programs I have on file and installed on Sayha's computer while she was up here. It is a great program, we might have to meet up and you can see some of my files sometime. I have like 90 gig or more worth of english learning software

[Teacher Mark 53]

Funny that you like that Oxford Picture Dictionary, that is one of the programs I have on file and installed on Sayha's computer while she was up here. It is a great program, we might have to meet up and you can see some of my files sometime. I have like 90 gig or more worth of english learning software

Meet? Whenever would we find the time? I have a lot of stuff too. Nothing better than a lot of resources!

For a spouse heading to America the OPD is a must have.

I love the fact that it is based on life in America. I hate teaching British English for some reason.

British English: "I live in that street."

[Tuanv 2]

Meet? Whenever would we find the time? I have a lot of stuff too. Nothing better than a lot of resources!

For a spouse heading to America the OPD is a must have.

I love the fact that it is based on life in America. I hate teaching British English for some reason.

British English: "I live in that street."

I remember those Oxford Picture Dictionary when I first got here 15 years ago. It is helpful somewhat.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I remember those Oxford Picture Dictionary when I first got here 15 years ago. It is helpful somewhat.

That was the 1st edition. The 2nd edition is much better.

Edited December 16, 2010 by Mekong Mark

[Tuanv 2]

That was the 1st edition. The 2nd edition is much better.

OK. I will definitely check it out.

[Dau Que 6]

Hello guys,

Can you guys recommend some techniques to teach English? I am trying to teach my wife English. So far, she has used Rosetta Stone but she find it boring.

I don't know if this applies in your family, but in some, do NOT allow her to watch those Chinese movies, film bo. Waste of time due to the addiction and she won't learn a thing in regards to improving her English.

[Dau Que 6]

Once her English is sufficient, ask her to listen to NPR, National Public Radio on her way to work, whatever. Only watch PBS with Caption on.