C1 English

What is metacognition?

In this episode, I talk about metacognition, which can be described as knowledge and understanding of your own thinking.

I talk about the 3 main components of metacognition:

Person knowledge - thinking about how you think and feel
Task knowledge - thinking about the task
Strategy knowledge - thinking about the best strategies to complete the task.

Here's a simple overview.

In this episode, I look at how you can identify a useful goal and then create a basic learning plan by asking 6 questions.
This works even better when you discuss these questions with a mentor, teacher, coach, or supportive friend.
What do you want / need to learn / improve? - Identify skill /task X.
Why do you want / need to learn / improve X? - Identify purpose
What's stopping you from learning / improving X? - Identify obstacles
What's a good way to learn/improve X? - Identify options
What tools/materials can help you learn/improve X? - Identify resources
Who can help you learn/ improve X? - Identify collaborators.

In this episode, I look at the CEFR Self-Assessment Grid for C1. It's a useful tool to get an idea of your level of English when understanding, speaking, and writing.

Key takeaways:

An overview of the CEFR
Why C1 is a high level
How the CEFR assesses understanding, speaking, and writing skills
Why spoken production (monologue) is different to spoken interaction (dialogue)
The importance of working with an English teaching professional to assess your skills.
Here is the CEFR Self-assessment Grid

Why are your receptive skills (listening and reading) better than your productive skills (speaking and writing)?
In this episode:
We'll discuss why your ability to understand a language is often stronger than your ability to speak or write it, and explore strategies to bridge the gap between receptive and productive language skills. Drawing on concepts like the "Noticing Hypothesis" and the "Output Hypothesis," we'll dive into practical tips for enhancing your speaking and writing abilities in English.
Key Takeaways:
Why it's normal to understand more than you can express in a second language
The importance of noticing language features like grammar structures, phrases, and linking words
How to actively practice using new vocabulary and expressions
Techniques for building productive language skills, including recording yourself and spaced repetition
How output practice can help consolidate language into long-term memory
Tune in to learn strategies that will help you become a more confident, autonomous English speaker and writer!

What are the learner's responsibilities? What about the teacher?
We'll explore key attitudes toward learning and teaching that can transform your language learning experience. Drawing on insights from Autonomy and Independence in Language Learning by Phil Benson and Peter Voeller, we’ll discuss how to balance teacher feedback with self-assessment, the value of peer learning, and ways to test yourself for continued growth.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of self-correction in language learning
How group and pair work can boost your speaking skills
Tips for testing yourself and using spaced repetition
Balancing teacher guidance with independent learning
Tune in to discover strategies that will help you take charge of your language learning journey!