I'm worried about repeating

Feeling down about an exam? Did you stuff up your speaking? Or were you really happy with how all your exams went? Week 5/10 is always a good week to reflect and check you're still on the right track. In other words, are you managing everything in your life in a way that supports you? Think about the following:

What was I happy about?

Find something that you did well or think about a goal you achieved. This could be that you made an extra effort to talk to classmates, or that you read an extra page in a book every night. Acknowledge that you did well and reward yourself by spending time on an activity you like. We often forget to give ourselves credit for the good work we do, but it’s an important part of the learning process in order to feel supported and able to absorb new information.

What didn’t go well?

These are what I like to think of as opportunities. Anything you feel bad about is an opportunity to develop and improve, whether it is to do with a language skill, time management, or even a lifestyle choice. For example, are you getting enough sleep to reach your goals? Are you hanging out with people who get you closer to your goals or further away? Are you preparing meals that give you energy to work towards your goals? All these choices affect how effectively you’re able to learn.

What changes do I want to make?

Once you’ve identified what you don’t feel good about, think of creative solutions! For example, if you’re chatting all night to your friends and family and not getting enough sleep then you’re late for class every day, you might then feel bad because your teacher gets annoyed and the other students have to wait for you to catch up. That's not fun for anybody. Even more worryingly, this might lea d to you failing the level. What might work better? Maybe you can find a time during your lunch break to chat instead of night time. Maybe you can write letters to each other or send each other photos or presents. You might even like turning your phone off between certain hours. When you know the changes you want to make, it’s time to put them into action!

Plan for success

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Make a weekly planner or download one from the RMIT Learning Lab, where you can also learn more about time management. Use your ideas for change and make sure you’re realistic about your time and energy levels when you want to practise English, and put in time for breaks and adequate sleep. In fact, some studies even show you can improve your vocabulary during your sleep!

Believe it to see it!

Visualise yourself speaking English confidently and comfortably in class, then with a tutorial group at uni, then with your lecturer. Imagine your friends admiring how good you are at English. How do you feel? Keep this vision in your mind and refer to it often. What else do you want to see in your life? See it clearly in your mind and feel it. This makes it more real for you, increasing your motivation and energy levels which in turn increases your ability to learn. It is one of the most effective training techniques used by elite athletes and the best performers in many fields, and best of all, it’s free!

To sum up:

Feel good about what you did well.
Identify what you want to do better.
Figure out how to do better.
Have a plan.
Use your thoughts to support you.

Blog post

12 October 2020

Learn English
Study English
Study
Vocabulary
Study support
Writing

RMIT Training is a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

23 Mar 2022

RMIT Training is proud to announce that in 2022, we have joined the Circle Back Initiative to show our commitment to ensure every candidate who applies for a role in our company receives an outcome response. 

RMIT English Worldwide announces partnership with COLFUTURO

22 Mar 2022

RMIT Training is thrilled to announce that RMIT English Worldwide (REW) has signed an ELICOS agreement with the prestigious Colombian scholarship body COLFUTURO (the Foundation for the Future of Colombia).

Jake Heinrich appointed Chief Executive Officer of RMIT Training

07 Sep 2021

Experienced international education leader, Jake Heinrich has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of RMIT Training. Heinrich brings extensive experience in the global education sector including more than 25 years of working across Asia, Mexico and Australia.

View all

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information

I'm worried about repeating