Language learning is cyclical

Language learning is inherently cyclical because:

• we don't always understand fully the language point on the spot,

• we might not remember everything about it,

• and, crucially, nothing can be acquired in a vacuum.

As I always tell my students, revisiting earlier language points is crucial to consolidate them and to practise what I call 'linguistic juggling' i.e. putting sentences together using several language points.

Grammar books divide language points into manageable units, teachers divide lessons in language points. There's a logic here, to do with ease-of-use, on one hand and lesson/exam preparation, on the other. However, this does not help at all transitioning to speaking, the part that everybody finds difficult.

In order to help my students get to that stage without breaking a sweat, I'm constantly revisiting earlier language points alongside new ones. This, in fact, mimics real, everyday speech, where your brain reaches out for ideas as you speak, without anything being compartmentalised.

A cyclical approach gives my students a bigger picture of language learning and of their level and it helps them see how much they know, which - amazingly - they systematically underestimate.