Tips for English learning (only for MCU students)

     I'm sorry that my photo is not related to the post.

Here are my tips for learning four skills of English that I want to share with all MCU students.

1. Listening - Since I was a freshman at MCU, I've practiced it mainly through social media (e.g., Youtube channels, links, websites like VOA News (US accent) and BBC Podcasts (UK accent), etc.).

Listening was my most challenging thing back when I was a BA student - because my English background (especially listening) was not good, and I had to practice it several times a day in order to get used to it as my first priority.

I think everyone has its own ways to practice listening skills, just use the way that suits you best or works for you. The most important thing is "practice and mistakes make perfect".

2. Speaking - Like my listening practice, the social media I mentioned above has played a key role in improving my speaking skills since then.

In addition to that, I have been into speaking practice through real-life conversations or chats with those speaking English at top temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Saket - where a number of tourist foreigners visiting every day.

As a monk, you have to get yourself out of comfort zone by going out for a talk with those speaking English, especially at the temples I just mentioned. It really works!

It's because, in my opinion, listening-and-speaking practice requires a form of active learning unlike reading and writing. If going out for a talk is not your thing, then you should stop learning English. Don't be shy and don't be afraid of making mistakes. Please improve your learning mindset if you are shy and afraid of it.

3. Reading - During my time at the university (MCU), I read English newspapers every day, especially Bangkok Post and The Nation. My most favorite news sections are opinion, sports and lifestyle. It seems to me that The Nation is good for those advanced students of English while the Bangkok Post is good for everyone to learn - because it provides a learning section which calls "Learning" (See here: https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/).

Apart from the two dailies, I suggest practicing it from non-Thai papers like BBC, CNN and VOA - depending on you to select the one that works for you. Keep in mind that practice and mistakes make perfect. Read everything that you love every day.

4. Writing - In fact, writing can be done through the three skills: you can take a note when listening to something, reading something and even speaking with someone who uses good expressions, phrases and words to describe things.

As you are BA students of English, writing skills are important to you all - because you have to do written assignments and do a research in English before graduation to make sure you deserve to get a BA degree.

My writing skills have been improved by starting a blog in English, writing English messages and posting photos with English explanations on Facebook, doing a what-to-do diary, and practicing academic writing from good textbooks - it's boring but you have to do it.

It would be better if you can join courses outside, especially at top universities like Thammasat, Chula, Mahidol and Kasetsart (maybe you can join it for free or at least get a discount because you are a monk student.).

By doing this, you can widen your world of English as you have a lot of great friends who are ready to help you or learn together with you. It's fun!

I hope my tips are good for you all. I just wrote what I think it's important for you to be good at English skills. There is a lot to learn. I know my tips are probably not the best for you. You can use your own way(s). Practice is your first priority.

Good luck!