Effective Strategies for Engaging in Online English Workshops
Participating in English language webinars can open doors to professional growth, expand one's knowledge base, and foster global connections. For non-native English speakers, overcoming language barriers can be challenging, but with the right strategies, effective participation is achievable.
Preparation is key. Before the webinar, preload vocabulary related to the topic, familiarise yourself with the agenda and format, and conduct preliminary research. This will help build confidence and comprehension during the session.
During the webinar, active participation is essential. Engage actively by speaking out loud, using interactive features like polls, quizzes, and live chats, and monitoring comprehension. If something is not understood, try rephrasing, asking for repetition, or summarising to confirm meaning. Participating in discussions in mixed-skill groups, if possible, fosters learning through modeling and richer dialogues.
Post-webinar activities are crucial. Reviewing your notes and any materials provided during the session can reinforce learning. Listening again to recordings and practicing newly learned phrases in daily conversations helps solidify language acquisition.
Incorporating technology and resources can also support language learning. Language learning apps and flashcards help with vocabulary retention and pronunciation practice outside the webinar. Creating a print-rich environment, if possible, enhances familiarity with language structure and usage.
Webinars that encourage speaking, oral literacy, and explicit grammar practice are especially beneficial for Emergent Bilinguals who acquire grammar actively rather than passively.
Overcoming language barriers requires consistent effort, but the benefits of improved communication are immense. With the right strategies, non-native English speakers can effectively enhance their English skills and maximise the benefits of webinar participation.
Engaging in online education platforms, such as webinars, not only offers opportunities for education-and-self-development in English but also aids in overcoming language barriers. By utilising learning tools like language learning apps, flashcards, and pre-loading relevant vocabulary, non-native English speakers can effectively partake in such educational sessions. Furthermore, by actively participating during the webinar and reinforcing learning through post-webinar activities, they can optimise their ability to overcome language barriers and enhance their English skills.
