Have you ever felt disappointed because you studied so hard for a test, only to receive a grade that didn’t reflect your efforts? As a language learner, how many times have you thought you understood a lesson, only to find out later that you were using a new word or grammar point incorrectly?
We often blame the teacher, the difficulty of the language, or even our own memory. But instead of pointing fingers, what if we questioned how we’re learning?
Understanding Is Not the Same as Learning
We’ve all experienced that moment when you leave a class feeling confident because you understood everything. Then, later, you struggle to apply what you learned.
Maybe you felt great after your Portuguese lesson, only to find yourself unable to use a new structure in conversation.
The truth is, understanding doesn’t automatically translate into learning. Simply studying isn’t enough—you need to actively engage with the material to truly master it.
Boost Your Memory with the Recall Technique
Language learning research strongly suggests that reading and rereading study material may not be as effective as we think.
In one study, students who used the recall technique—where they read the material, then closed the book and tried to recall the key points—outperformed those who only read and reread the content.
This technique, known as recall, involves actively retrieving information from memory. It’s a powerful way to test whether you’ve truly learned something. If you can’t explain it to someone else, you haven’t learned it yet.
What’s more, recall helps reinforce and retain that knowledge over time.
If you want to dive deeper into effective learning strategies, I recommend the free course Learning How to Learn from the University of California, San Diego. It’s an invaluable resource. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
Apply Recall to Accelerate Your Portuguese Learning
To make your Portuguese learning more effective, start using recall in your study sessions. Try repeating your teacher’s explanation in your own words and ask for feedback. If you’re learning on your own, explain the topic out loud to yourself.
Test your understanding by applying new words and grammar points in real-life conversations with your Portuguese instructor.
Combining recall with spaced repetition—a technique that spaces out review sessions over time—can further boost your learning.
For example, say you recently learned how to give advice and instructions in Portuguese using the imperative form (often taught as commands). A few days later, try recalling the imperative conjugations you learned and apply them in a conversation or writing exercise. If you need a refresher, you can revisit the lesson on the imperative to reinforce your understanding. This method helps cement your knowledge, making it easier to recall and effectively use the imperative form in real-life situations.
Consistent Practice Makes Perfect
Regular practice with a skilled instructor can make a significant difference in your language learning journey. A good instructor naturally incorporates recall and spaced repetition into your lessons, ensuring that you’re constantly reinforcing what you’ve learned. Regular meetings also provide the practice you need to improve your language skills.
Imagine how wonderful it would feel to speak Portuguese with comfort and confidence. You can achieve this! Book a trial lesson with the Street Smart Brazil team today, and start making your Portuguese dreams a reality.
