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Learning is a process we all undertake in different ways. Regardless of the approach adopted in the past, it can be useful to consider an innovative strategy that allows you to achieve maximum results in the shortest possible time. Psychology can play an important role here, offering a range of approaches and skills that will facilitate learning and enable you to speak English more effectively. Below are some of the essential psychological principles that could make a difference.

• Growth mindset. The core principle of a growth mindset is that intelligence is malleable and the more effort you put in, the higher the likelihood of success. This is the opposite of a fixed mindset, which focuses on the idea that intelligence is predetermined and limited, with little possibility for improvement. A growth mindset has a particularly positive impact on motivation and determination, and will help you not give up, to continue with your English learning until you can speak it better.
• The more you practice, the more you acquire long-term skills. Increasing your knowledge, skills, and confidence in speaking English is easier if this process is perceived as a long-term project. Practice is truly worth more than grammar, not only in terms of how you speak English, but also in terms of the amount of knowledge learned that is stored in long-term memory.
• It is important to ask for feedback. Constructive criticism is a fundamental part of learning. Clear, comprehensive, and timely feedback can help you understand which aspects of your English need improvement and at the same time make consistent progress. It is essential that whoever gives you feedback understands the need to be not negative, but constructive and motivating.
• Acquiring self-regulation skills can also improve learning ability. Such skills include self-control, planning, memorization strategies, and organizational skills. Changing your personal organization, or adopting a new approach to the time needed to complete a task can make a world of difference, as can a new approach to self-control, e.g., removing distractions such as mobile phones or emails.
• Intrinsic motivation is stronger than extrinsic motivation. Analyzing your personal motivations and how these can lead to your personal success can help improve the effectiveness of your communication in English. It means making the difference between the goals and targets that others define for you and what you really want.
• Mastery goals work much better than performance goals. When it comes to defining your English improvement goals, you will be more successful if you set mastery goals—that is, outcomes based on intrapersonal learning standards—rather than comparative goals based on performance. Mastery goals tend to focus on acquiring new skills or improving existing abilities, while performance goals simply aim to demonstrate a certain level of achievement.

From adopting a growth mindset to choosing the right type of goals to feel motivated and aligned with expected results, there are various ways to adopt innovative psychological approaches that can help you speak English more effectively.

TLG provides corporate teams with the practical skills and support needed to work confidently in international contexts. From teaching to translation and technology, we help you work in English more effectively and ensure a return on your investment. If you want a blended, science-based learning process to learn Business English, contact us today.