Where ever you may be (UK, London, Canada, Vancouver, Ireland, Malta, USA, New Zealand, India, anywhere really) if you want to learn English, then the obvious thing to do is attend classroom training or instructor-led training - depending on the time available to you, that will be either day-time or evening classes. Some colleges now also offer studying at weekends so that if you are working full-time or long hours you can still manage to carry out your studies in English.
But what are your options other than classroom? If your time is limited and classroom training isn't always possible due to the costs of the courses then what else can you do to learn English?
English books: Probably the most convenient form allowing you to brush-up while on a bus, during your lunch break or during those regular traffic jams. This is a good way revise what you have learnt during a course but you cannot hear how a word or phrase is spoken without some form of audio assistance. Books should always be used in addition to some form of audio learning whether it is CD, Online, Cassette or Video. CBT (Computer Based Training): This can be either in CD format on web based / online format. The advantage here is that you can study at your own leisure - at work or at home (you need a PC of course). The great thing is that you've got a bunch of CDs/Books that you can use for as long as you like. Online training is generally cheaper due to there being no printed media. All the advantages of CBT, except you need to be connected to the internet.
Language Cassettes/Videos: Demand has greatly reduced for these media - probably due to the fact that you can't just 'jump' to the section/chapter you are interested in. However if you want to learn using audio tapes in your car then this is a great way to learn English as you can hear it and then repeat it to yourself whilst driving. Nowadays there are companies selling downloads so you can use the learning English software via your MP3 player or iPod.
The English courses available cover from beginner to advanced levels of learning as well as specific courses such as business English. When selecting an English course you need to make sure it is going to be right at the right level for you – taking an advanced course before learning the English basics will not be good idea. |
