Welcome to

The Pending Subject Newsletter

Every Thursday you will receive:

• Tips to improve your English
• English language content to keep you in touch with the language
• A weekly challenge to keep you progressing
• A quote to inspire your learning

Scrolling on social media is the number one hobby for many today. According to Statista, 1.44 billion people use Instagram and 955 million use TikTok. So what's the attraction, and how can this appeal be used to help people learn English?

Easy, simple, personal... These are the cornerstones (claves/pilares) of most social media platforms. Short videos which are highly engaging and easy to consume make users return (easy + simple). Additionally, the algorithms the platforms use create a personalised experience because you see content you have previously shown an interest in (personal).

The good news is, English learning can also be easy, simple and personal.

Here is how you can do it...

TIPS

1. Make it short, engaging, and related to your goals: Like social media, make your learning bite-sized, especially at the start of a learning plan. Do 5-10 minutes of fun activities that are focused on your objectives. For example, if you need to improve your listening, start with a 5-10 minute video/podcast about something you like...
2. Plan for growth: Again, just like social media companies want you to return day after day, make your learning plan long-term and plan for growth so you come back and practise every day. By doing tip 1 and having a plan, you are more likely to make your learning consistent, which will allow you to improve your level. Check out The 5-5-5 Plan for how you can do this...
3. Learn together- be part of a community: Social media relies on communities of people engaging with each other (likes/comments etc.) which often leads to 'trends.' Your English learning is unlikely to become a trending topic, but it could be helped by following a plan with someone else. Practising with another person will increase motivation, commitment, and results...

CONTENT

1. You have probably heard of Duolingo, but did you know that it was built on the principles of social media? Check out this Ted Talk by its founder, Luis von Ahn, as he compares it to social media... It's great for bite-size learning. If you have a good level, begin with their advanced option...
2. Tim Ferriss has lots of tips on how to make work, cooking and exercise short and fun. He loves experimenting on how to make the most gains and how to save the most time. Start with his recommendations on how to learn languages quickly...
3. Do any short activities that are enjoyable and which you are likely to repeat...

A CHALLENGE

Make a learning plan where you do something- short, easy, and fun- for just 5 minutes per day for 1 week. See how you progress. See how, just like social media, you will want to keep returning...

You just need to start...

(A great place to start is the 5-5-5 Progress Plan).

AN INSPIRING QUOTE

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young." Henry Ford.

Keep learning- make it short, fun and personal- and you will stay forever young!

If you really want to learn English, you can also read the How to (finally) learn English book:

​https://benpalmercoach.com/books/​

Out now on Amazon!

Find out more at https://benpalmercoach.com/​

Until next week,

Ben

PS: Keep learning!