Learning will get easier when people fall in love with effort.
Learning is effective when it’s effortful.
Effortless learning does not bring lasting results, but it’s a beautiful idea to sell. We’re all going to achieve more as language learners when people take serious steps in the direction of believing themselves, and not “experts”, “influencers”, and for God’s sake, celebrities.
Btw, what do celebrities have to do with learning? Why would you even trust someone you don’t know, especially when you DO know that these people are professional actors and can take any role for money? Why would you take the advice of someone who has a totally different lifestyle than you, and most importantly - doesn’t have the results that you’re looking for. They have fame, and they have your attention. But YOU have the power to give or not give your attention to information.
When language learners embrace the idea of effortful learning, they will stop looking for “15-min a day English” solutions. They will not enroll in “3-months-to-fluency” programs. When people wake up to the fact that learning takes time, they will start appreciating the time they have. How long does it take ME to achieve fluency? To remember new words? To read one novel in English? To change my pronunciation? For example, it’s taken me a year to change the shape of my vowels and get to the point where my result is not depending on the circumstances. I reprogrammed my pronunciation autopilot. I don’t know how to learn anything in 15 days. You can learn ABOUT something in 15 days, but it’s not enough time to create a lasting improvement.
When you start respecting your time, you learn to enjoy your effort. I will never become a native speaker, and I don’t want to feed the illusion of becoming one with my time and effort. What I know is that I can achieve native-like fluency, and I’m showing the result of my effort to myself daily.
What I’ve learned over the years is that it takes a very different kind of effort to achieve understanding, whatever you learn. Most people associate learning with “marking new words in an English text”, “sitting through a class”, or “doing endless grammar drills”, but this is learning ABOUT the language. As soon as you get to B2, C1, or as soon as you realize that the result of speaking a foreign language can’t be measured by a test, you stop doing the exercises that will be on the test, and you stop engaging in activities that prepare you for the test. People who need English to get ahead in their career, to build meaningful relationships with people, to share their vast knowledge with native speakers do not need certificates. They need connection and confidence.
To learn connection, you need to apply a different type of effort. You need to learn to be attentive to the target language and to the way you use it, you need to learn to apply conscious effort, to listen carefully (both to yourself and others), to trust your gut, to double-check everything you thought to be true, to self-reflect, to ask for help, to self-regulate your learning, to write (that’s why I’m writing this text in English), and to enjoy the effort you’re putting into becoming a whole different type of learner. Achieving native-like fluency in a foreign language is about becoming, not “studying”.
I have a free course about the 9 essential skills (all human skills) that are required to achieve native-like fluency. If you’re interested, apply for it. Btw, it takes effort to apply, and I hope you’ll like it🙂. Every lesson includes 1 or 2 practical exercises.
Learning is effective when it’s effortful.
Learning to give a lot of effort effortlessly takes time, and I’d rather spend this time enjoying my deliberate practice routine rather than searching for a quick fix. Even the most advanced technology can’t change human nature and the fact that learning something takes time. All serious improvements in life take time. Whatever app you choose to support your learning process, it’s designed to support it, and not to do the learning for you.
Learning is effective when it’s effortful.
Effortless learning does not bring lasting results, but it’s a beautiful idea to sell. We’re all going to achieve more as language learners when people take serious steps in the direction of believing themselves, and not “experts”, “influencers”, and for God’s sake, celebrities.
Btw, what do celebrities have to do with learning? Why would you even trust someone you don’t know, especially when you DO know that these people are professional actors and can take any role for money? Why would you take the advice of someone who has a totally different lifestyle than you, and most importantly - doesn’t have the results that you’re looking for. They have fame, and they have your attention. But YOU have the power to give or not give your attention to information.
When language learners embrace the idea of effortful learning, they will stop looking for “15-min a day English” solutions. They will not enroll in “3-months-to-fluency” programs. When people wake up to the fact that learning takes time, they will start appreciating the time they have. How long does it take ME to achieve fluency? To remember new words? To read one novel in English? To change my pronunciation? For example, it’s taken me a year to change the shape of my vowels and get to the point where my result is not depending on the circumstances. I reprogrammed my pronunciation autopilot. I don’t know how to learn anything in 15 days. You can learn ABOUT something in 15 days, but it’s not enough time to create a lasting improvement.
When you start respecting your time, you learn to enjoy your effort. I will never become a native speaker, and I don’t want to feed the illusion of becoming one with my time and effort. What I know is that I can achieve native-like fluency, and I’m showing the result of my effort to myself daily.
What I’ve learned over the years is that it takes a very different kind of effort to achieve understanding, whatever you learn. Most people associate learning with “marking new words in an English text”, “sitting through a class”, or “doing endless grammar drills”, but this is learning ABOUT the language. As soon as you get to B2, C1, or as soon as you realize that the result of speaking a foreign language can’t be measured by a test, you stop doing the exercises that will be on the test, and you stop engaging in activities that prepare you for the test. People who need English to get ahead in their career, to build meaningful relationships with people, to share their vast knowledge with native speakers do not need certificates. They need connection and confidence.
To learn connection, you need to apply a different type of effort. You need to learn to be attentive to the target language and to the way you use it, you need to learn to apply conscious effort, to listen carefully (both to yourself and others), to trust your gut, to double-check everything you thought to be true, to self-reflect, to ask for help, to self-regulate your learning, to write (that’s why I’m writing this text in English), and to enjoy the effort you’re putting into becoming a whole different type of learner. Achieving native-like fluency in a foreign language is about becoming, not “studying”.
I have a free course about the 9 essential skills (all human skills) that are required to achieve native-like fluency. If you’re interested, apply for it. Btw, it takes effort to apply, and I hope you’ll like it🙂. Every lesson includes 1 or 2 practical exercises.
Learning is effective when it’s effortful.
Learning to give a lot of effort effortlessly takes time, and I’d rather spend this time enjoying my deliberate practice routine rather than searching for a quick fix. Even the most advanced technology can’t change human nature and the fact that learning something takes time. All serious improvements in life take time. Whatever app you choose to support your learning process, it’s designed to support it, and not to do the learning for you.
My learning efforts bring joy because they support the person I am becoming.
And this gives me tremendous confidence that I’m on the right path.
And this gives me tremendous confidence that I’m on the right path.
Some thoughts about learned helplessness, online educational products, and the role of a coach/expert
https://soundcloud.com/natasha-tokar/on-teaching
I remembered about an earlier episode of my podcast about the true role of a teacher. The message is still the same.
BUT!!! my pronunciation has changed😁😁😁
Now, when I listen to this episode, which was recorded 2 years ago, I can clearly hear the problem with my vowels. I couldn't tell the difference between "e" and "a". My "episode" sounded more like "apisode", and "test" more like "tast".
My "o" was a mess, such as in "note" or "rose", or "so".
I'm still falling back into my old pattern at times, but I catch those mistakes quicly
I remembered about an earlier episode of my podcast about the true role of a teacher. The message is still the same.
BUT!!! my pronunciation has changed😁😁😁
Now, when I listen to this episode, which was recorded 2 years ago, I can clearly hear the problem with my vowels. I couldn't tell the difference between "e" and "a". My "episode" sounded more like "apisode", and "test" more like "tast".
My "o" was a mess, such as in "note" or "rose", or "so".
I'm still falling back into my old pattern at times, but I catch those mistakes quicly
SoundCloud
The true role of a teacher and what it takes to help a student become their own teacher
"What avail is it to win prescribed amounts of information about geography and history, to win ability to read and write, if in the process the individual loses his own soul; loses his appreciation of
https://community.nataliatokar.me/c/calendar/grammar-nov-3
Join us tomorrow. The event is free for all the active community members
Join us tomorrow. The event is free for all the active community members
community.nataliatokar.me
📝Grammar Practice: Exercises for Native-Like Fluency | Native-Like Fluency. The Community of Practice
These are regular calls to help community members truly understand and practice certain grammar topics using the best Grammar Books that have been written for and by native speakers.
Listen to this audio message:[grammar (mp3cut.net).mp3]Here is how ...
Listen to this audio message:[grammar (mp3cut.net).mp3]Here is how ...
If you’re an advanced English learner, and you want to improve your grammar, open an American middle school grammar book and read the chapter “Sentence Structure”. You will learn a lot! At least, we did today. A community grammar call went so well! Thank you for your work❤️
We looked at the differences between phrases and clauses, we learned to identify adverb phrases, adjective phrases, restrictive clauses, fragments, and complete thoughts. We also finally saw a clear explanation of “that” and “which”.
If you want to improve your grammar:
1. Focus on understanding, not on memorizing
2. Summarize your findings in writing or out loud (that’s why I recorded this video)
3. Learn WITH people and from people. You’re not supposed to learn alone, just like you’re not supposed to learn from ONE teacher who has all the correct answers. The truth is that both non-native and native-speaking teachers don’t have ALL the answers. A good teacher will teach you to ask the right questions, find the right answers fast, and gain confidence in your ability to apply the knowledge.
To learn grammar in the community of advanced English learners and from the grammar books that were written FOR and BY native speakers, join the community of practice. You’ll find the replay of today’s session in the space “Grammar”. All the grammar books are available in our community library.
P.S. We were confused by this sentences today: “Reaching high, Janet caught the fly ball”. What is “reaching high” in this sentence? Do you know? Watch the replay to see how we eventually found the answer 😉 community.nataliatokar.me
We looked at the differences between phrases and clauses, we learned to identify adverb phrases, adjective phrases, restrictive clauses, fragments, and complete thoughts. We also finally saw a clear explanation of “that” and “which”.
If you want to improve your grammar:
1. Focus on understanding, not on memorizing
2. Summarize your findings in writing or out loud (that’s why I recorded this video)
3. Learn WITH people and from people. You’re not supposed to learn alone, just like you’re not supposed to learn from ONE teacher who has all the correct answers. The truth is that both non-native and native-speaking teachers don’t have ALL the answers. A good teacher will teach you to ask the right questions, find the right answers fast, and gain confidence in your ability to apply the knowledge.
To learn grammar in the community of advanced English learners and from the grammar books that were written FOR and BY native speakers, join the community of practice. You’ll find the replay of today’s session in the space “Grammar”. All the grammar books are available in our community library.
P.S. We were confused by this sentences today: “Reaching high, Janet caught the fly ball”. What is “reaching high” in this sentence? Do you know? Watch the replay to see how we eventually found the answer 😉 community.nataliatokar.me
https://soundcloud.com/natasha-tokar/natalia-reads-mastery-by-george-leonard
My favorite exercise again! Reading out loud. I love it even more now, when I hear the difference between my reading 2 years ago and today. Listen to the message about mastery. Do you agree? Does it resonate with you?
My favorite exercise again! Reading out loud. I love it even more now, when I hear the difference between my reading 2 years ago and today. Listen to the message about mastery. Do you agree? Does it resonate with you?
SoundCloud
Natalia Reads "Mastery" by George Leonard
This is a prologue from the book "Mastery: the key to success and long-term fulfillment" by George Leonard.
The book and the transcript are available in the Community of Practice
https://community.na
The book and the transcript are available in the Community of Practice
https://community.na
I wrote this text during the third week of the Creative Writing Practice.
You can join and improve your writing skills too. You will receive feedback on all your work from myself and a professional native-speaking editor (if you join before Dec 2, 2022)
https://nataliatokar.me/blog/tpost/f2zxny5b91-the-about-me-page
You can join and improve your writing skills too. You will receive feedback on all your work from myself and a professional native-speaking editor (if you join before Dec 2, 2022)
https://nataliatokar.me/blog/tpost/f2zxny5b91-the-about-me-page
nataliatokar.me
The ABOUT ME page
An example of a creative writing exercise
INNER STATE is not what happens to you. It's not something that you wait for.
You can influence and self-regulate your emotions, your energy, and your thoughts. I'm saying this because I know how it works from expreience and because I've been learning and applying the knowledge for the last four years. I want to continue learning, and I'm inviting everyone who needs the same to learn alongside me.
On November 12 I'm going to be a student. Join and meet my teacher.
Self-regulating my inner state is a huge part of my work, and an important ingredient in successful learning.
I'm a practical and very down-to-earth person. This is not some esoteric, impractical information that contradicts the fundamental knowledge about human nature. These are very concrete practices that I've been consciously applying in my own life.
http://collectivecreation.space/taoist-yoga-healing
You can influence and self-regulate your emotions, your energy, and your thoughts. I'm saying this because I know how it works from expreience and because I've been learning and applying the knowledge for the last four years. I want to continue learning, and I'm inviting everyone who needs the same to learn alongside me.
On November 12 I'm going to be a student. Join and meet my teacher.
Self-regulating my inner state is a huge part of my work, and an important ingredient in successful learning.
I'm a practical and very down-to-earth person. This is not some esoteric, impractical information that contradicts the fundamental knowledge about human nature. These are very concrete practices that I've been consciously applying in my own life.
http://collectivecreation.space/taoist-yoga-healing
collectivecreation.space
Self-Regulating your Energy: Taoist Yoga practices
November 12, 2022. A full-day seminar
You got a job offer... and you're ready to relocate and build the career of your dreams. You always have a choice to take that job offer or graciously turn it down.
If you want to take it, you want a good deal, which means you need to know how to negotiate a good deal for yourself in English.
Look for Creative Exercise #91 in the community of practice (will be published today) where we will practice negotiating a good deal out loud in English. All you need to get better at negotiating what you want is to know what you want and to practice communicating it without damaging the relationships.
Consistent practice and caring feedback are two necessary ingredients for success, and you will find both in the community of practice. Join if you need native-like fluency in English and if you're interested in learning real-life communication skills and receiving professional feedback. https://community.nataliatokar.me/c/exercises/
If you want to take it, you want a good deal, which means you need to know how to negotiate a good deal for yourself in English.
Look for Creative Exercise #91 in the community of practice (will be published today) where we will practice negotiating a good deal out loud in English. All you need to get better at negotiating what you want is to know what you want and to practice communicating it without damaging the relationships.
Consistent practice and caring feedback are two necessary ingredients for success, and you will find both in the community of practice. Join if you need native-like fluency in English and if you're interested in learning real-life communication skills and receiving professional feedback. https://community.nataliatokar.me/c/exercises/
Native-Like Fluency. The Community of Practice
Login to Native-Like Fluency. The Community of Practice community via email or SSO today.
Spontaneous vs Prepared speech in a foreign language.
If native-like fluency is your goal, we're probably on the same page. I do not measure my fluency by how well I can prepare a speech. A true measurement of my skills is how well I can deal with uncertainty in a conversation where everyone speaks English.
Here are some tips:
1. Pay attention to your autopilot mode in your first language. Learn which speaking behaviors you're unaware of.
2. Learn to self-regulate your inner state and emotions. I learn these skills with a mentor, and you're welcome to learn alongside me. I'm attending an online seminar on Nov 12. DM me for details.
3. Say everything out loud! You will never improve your speaking skills if you consume information silently.
Try the creative exercises in the community of practice - community.nataliatokar.me
If native-like fluency is your goal, we're probably on the same page. I do not measure my fluency by how well I can prepare a speech. A true measurement of my skills is how well I can deal with uncertainty in a conversation where everyone speaks English.
Here are some tips:
1. Pay attention to your autopilot mode in your first language. Learn which speaking behaviors you're unaware of.
2. Learn to self-regulate your inner state and emotions. I learn these skills with a mentor, and you're welcome to learn alongside me. I'm attending an online seminar on Nov 12. DM me for details.
3. Say everything out loud! You will never improve your speaking skills if you consume information silently.
Try the creative exercises in the community of practice - community.nataliatokar.me
I'd appreciate it f you could help me with your answers - https://nataliatokar.typeform.com/to/kgqFi88l
What results do you need MOST? What are you looking to achieve for yourself? I want to create things that matter to YOU!
The poll is anonymous. it takes just one click 😊
thank you!
What results do you need MOST? What are you looking to achieve for yourself? I want to create things that matter to YOU!
The poll is anonymous. it takes just one click 😊
thank you!
Typeform
What results do you need MOST
Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.
FREE masterclass on NOV 27, 2022
Save your seat and share it with people who need it.
Everyone is welcome!
Confident spontaneous speaking skills in English is what most learners wants to achieve. To achieve it, you need to create a deliberate practice routine that will take you to better fluency exercise by exercise.
https://community.nataliatokar.me/c/calendar/spontaneous-speaking
Save your seat and share it with people who need it.
Everyone is welcome!
Confident spontaneous speaking skills in English is what most learners wants to achieve. To achieve it, you need to create a deliberate practice routine that will take you to better fluency exercise by exercise.
https://community.nataliatokar.me/c/calendar/spontaneous-speaking
community.nataliatokar.me
FREE: Exercises to Improve Spontaneous Speaking Skills | Native-Like Fluency. The Community of Practice
Everyone is welcome to join this Masterclass!Confident spontaneous speaking skills in English is what most learners wants to achieve. To achieve it, you need to create a deliberate practice routine that will take you to better fluency exercise by exerc...