从英文白痴到流利，你可以复制的逆袭方式（过程全记录）

Summary

Kevin's journey of learning English is a narrative of perseverance and self-discovery. He began with struggles in school, trying various methods to improve, including hiring a tutor and studying abroad. Despite challenges, he persisted, eventually finding success by focusing on higher-order learning and embracing a growth mindset. Kevin's story concludes with a shift towards curiosity as a driving force, transforming his approach to language learning and life.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Initial struggles in language learning are common and can be overcome with persistence.
• 📚 The traditional school system may not be effective for all learners, as Kevin struggled despite attending.
• 🌐 Seeking out immersive experiences, like traveling to English-speaking countries, can be beneficial but isn't a guaranteed success.
• 👨‍🏫 Hiring a language tutor can provide structured practice, but self-directed learning is also crucial.
• 📈 The importance of finding efficient study methods, such as focusing on language 'chunks' rather than individual words.
• 🎓 Higher education in language teaching can provide theoretical knowledge but may not directly improve one's own language skills.
• 🔍 Actively researching and applying productivity strategies can enhance language learning efficiency.
• 🚀 Higher-order learning techniques like analysis and evaluation lead to better encoding and long-term retention.
• 💡 A growth mindset and embracing failure are key to overcoming challenges in language learning and life.
• 🌈 Shifting focus from fear to curiosity can unlock a more enjoyable and natural approach to learning.
• 🛤️ The journey of language learning is a continuous process of self-discovery and personal growth.

Q & A

What stage of learning English did Kevin initially refer to as 'confusion'?

The 'confusion' stage refers to the beginning of Kevin's English learning journey, where he struggled significantly, starting from middle school through high school and into university.

What was Kevin's first attempt to improve his English after realizing the importance of the language for his international business major?

Kevin's first attempt was hiring a Canadian teacher online for conversation practice, which slightly improved his listening skills but didn't provide a significant overall improvement.

Why did Kevin decide to travel to Southeast Asia after university?

Kevin decided to travel to Southeast Asia because he believed there would be many foreigners there, providing opportunities to practice English, and he had heard that Filipinos were proficient in English.

What was Kevin's experience with the language program he enrolled in at a local university in the Philippines?

Kevin found the language program not very helpful. He learned more efficiently on his own using comprehensive input and the 'plus one' method, which was popular at the time.

How did Kevin's English proficiency change after working and living in New Zealand and Australia?

Kevin did not see significant improvement in his English proficiency during his time in New Zealand and Australia. He felt his English level plateaued, but his Chinese improved due to the presence of many Chinese speakers.

What major shift in Kevin's approach to learning English occurred during his second year of the master's program?

During his second year, Kevin learned about processing English in 'chunks' rather than word by word or through grammar analysis, which significantly improved his fluency and accuracy.

What challenge did Kevin face while trying to flatten the forgetting curve with his new language learning method?

The challenge was the accumulation of English 'chunks' that needed constant revision. As the difficulty of the chunks increased, Kevin found it hard to cope, leading to a severe study burnout.

How did Kevin's perspective on learning change after encountering Bloom's Taxonomy and the concept of higher order learning?

Bloom's Taxonomy and higher order learning concepts taught Kevin that focusing on analysis and evaluation for learning, rather than just memorization and understanding, leads to better encoding and thus more effective long-term memory retention.

What personal realization led to a significant shift in Kevin's attitude towards learning and life?

Kevin realized the power of curiosity over fear. Instead of trying to overcome fear or get out of his comfort zone, he started embracing curiosity about people, learning, and life, which made the learning process more natural and enjoyable.

How does Kevin view his learning journey and its impact on his life?

Kevin sees his learning journey as a process of self-discovery. He believes that the different stages of his journey did not replace each other but built upon one another, shaping his growth and approach to both language learning and life.

What advice does Kevin have for others based on his experiences with learning and fear?

Kevin advises embracing curiosity instead of focusing on overcoming fear. He believes that curiosity naturally drives us to learn and interact without the pressure and exhaustion associated with fear.