DL students find their wings

DL students have found their wings and taken flight after Adult Learners' Week lessons. Students worked with their teachers to choose a new skill to learn. Some learnt from You Tube videos, some read websites or books and others learnt from a friend. One thing in common is that students learnt informally. In the same way you can learn English too! You can watch a video, do website activities or learn from a friend.

There were so many exciting hobbies and skills learnt. From knitting, to applying make-up and even making a guinea pig hutch. You can see a slideshow of some of the Adult Learners' Week stories. Just click on this link: Find Your Wings Slideshow. Our Adult Learners' Week story was also shared on the Navitas website. Click on this link to read the article: Navitas Website.  This week we feature an interview with Silvia's student, Christiane, on her informal learning experience.

 

Decoupage

Have you learnt anything new lately?

Yes I've learnt how to make decoupage on a bottle. Decoupage means the art of decorating objects with paper cut-outs. It originated in France. You can do decoupage on wooden objects such as coffee tables, chests of drawers or jewelry boxes or glass bottles. All you need is creativity and imagination!

How did you learn to do decoupage?
It started after Adult Learners' Week when I visited my friend's place and I saw her knife block in the kitchen. It looked very pretty with flower decorations on it. So I asked her where she got it from. She said she had made it. So I asked her nicely if she could teach me and she said 'yes!'
How do you feel about learning a new skill?
I really enjoy learning something new. I think it keeps me occupied and most of the time I get carried away doing something new. I believe as humans we will always learn something new. It doesn't matter how old or young we are. Learning something new can be difficult as well, but if you can find an aspect that motivates you then you can never say no.

Well done to all the students who sent in a story of their learning experience. We hope you enjoyed this activity and now have some fresh ideas for learning.

• How do you learn English informally?
• What similarities do you notice between learning a new skill and learning English?
• What is the difference between learning in a classroom and learning informally?

How about writing your comments below.  Remember to sign into your Google account in the top right corner before you comment.

Haroon prefers to learn by distance

Haroon and family

I come from Pakistan. I completed my Master's degree in Finance in 2000 in Pakistan and worked in different positions in accounting. I got married in 2008 and I now have two girls. When I arrived here, I did not have any communication skills because English is my second language. So I decided to enroll in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to improve my English and get Certificate III in Spoken and Written English.

I have been studying with DL for ten months. Now, I feel more confident when I speak English and I'm improving everyday.  I found that studying by distance is more convenient and flexible.  If I have an emergency I can reschedule my lesson so I don't miss any lessons.  In addition, it saves me time and money because I don't have to travel to classes.

My teacher Nada concentrates on my needs and weaknesses and teaches me the Australian culture. She tries to improve my employability skills and provides me with good tips for finding an appropriate job.  She also sends me a lot of video links after the lesson which help reinforce what I have learned and learn new things as well. There are a lot of e-books on the AMEP DL website which are very helpful.

I am very pleased with my DL experience as I think it is one of the best ways to help me improve my English language faster and it suits my circumstances. 

• How can you get the most out of your DL lessons?
• What are Employability Skills?  Check this link to see which ones you have and which ones you need.