Second Language Learning Strategies

A	Avoid heavy reliance on a dictionary.
B	Be assertive. Make and take opportunities to use the language in natural communication both inside and outside of class.
C	Compensate for your lack of linguistic ability by occasionally using your mother tongue, asking for help (repeat clearly, slow down, give examples) using mime and gesture, making up new words, describing the concept for which you lack a word, using hesitation fillers when you need to think.
D	Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
E	Evaluate your own progress.
F	Forget about your age or aptitudes when learning a foreign language.
G	Guess when in doubt.
H	Hypothesize! Before you read a grammar rule, try to formulate it yourself by analyzing the examples.
I	If you don't understand, say so!
J	Just be persistent.
K	Keep a language diary.
L	Limit your expectations to those that are reasonable and attainable.
M	Memorize creatively by using images, rhymes, sounds, etc.
N	Negotiate with your teacher when you want errors corrected.
O	Open your mind and develop a better attitude toward the native speakers and their culture.
P	Praise yourself for what you know and can do.
Q	Quit making excuses. If you are not improving in the target language, before you blame your teacher or textbook, ask yourself if you are using the strategies of a good language learner.
R	Relax before you go to class and before doing homework assignments.
S	Study with a partner.
T	Try not to translate in your head. Instead, try to speak spontaneously.
U	Use this checklist, and refer to it periodically.
V	Record new vocabulary and grammar rules in a notebook, but do it systematically.
W	Wear your successes and reward them.
X	Examine your own language learning strategies, problems, successes, and preferences, and talk about them with other students. Also learn from the successes of your classmates.
Y	Yesterday's material should be reviewed systematically.
Z	ZZZZ-Wake up! Don't sleep in class. Participate fully in every class activity.

General Strategies

Do you bring your Spanish book to class every day?
Do you bring your Spanish book home every day?
Do you write the assignment down in your planner every day?
Do you pay attention in class?
Do you fully participate in every activity?
Do you ask questions of your group members when you don't understand?
Do you ask the teacher questions when you don't understand?
Is your group seating arrangement hindering your progress during class?
Do you regularly complete all homework assignments, making sure to incorporate the new vocabulary and structures you are studying?
Do you have the completed assignment with you and ready before class begins?
How much time have you spent reading/studying your Spanish book?
Have you done any review or studying over the weekend, even if it wasn't assigned?
How do you spend your study time?
Have you spent time with your friends after school, working together on assignments or studying as a group before quizzes and tests?
Have you spoken with the teacher after class?
Have you sat with the teacher 5 - 10 minutes after school to get one-on-one help for past or current material?
Have you checked out a copy of last year's Spanish textbook from the library to review what you learned but may have forgotten from last year?
Have you used the Student Study Space after school?
Do you listen to, read or speak Spanish outside of class?
Do you think a tutor might help?
Are you willing to put in the time and energy it is going to take to meet the challenge of this course?