2N Independent Learning　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

I really enjoyed and learned a lot in the Independent learning class. Indeed, I found that using English every day and to enjoy it is the best way to improve my English skills though the independent learning class. Reading English was my weak point. So, in the Independent learning class, I set my goal “to improve my reading skills and vocabulary”, and I chose my material and considered what strategy was the best for me. Actually, these processes were really helpful for me because I had not realized what the week point on my reading skills was. Yet, finally I found them through these steps. I found that I didn’t have a lot of vocabulary. I decided “CNN English Express #7” as my material. I chose CNN text book in spring term and I thought using CNN was really suit me. I used only CNN English Express #7 in this term. I didn’t change my material at all. So, I could concentrate on my learning. There were 3 steps in the text book. I tried to do step1 and step2. Step 2 was more difficult than step1. There was no slow speed available in step2. Yet, strategies were almost same. I made 7 stratedies for step 1 and 6 strategies for step2.I will write strategies for step 1 as an example. 1st, I just listen to MD in natural speed without the text book. 2nd, I check some krywords and listen to MD in natural speed again. 3rd, I read and listen to MD in slow speed and understand the sentences. 4th, I listen to MD in slow speed and immitate them with the text book. 5th, I listen to MD in slow speed without the text book and immitate them. 6th, I listen to MD in natural speed and read them aloud. 7th, I make a vocaburaly npte book. First, the strategy 1st was very fast so I felt it was really dofficult. However, after I did the strategy 4th and 5th again and again, I could find that I was able to understand those fast English. I think all of my strategies worked best for me. However, especially the strategy 4th and 5th worked really best. It was really helpful because I could memorize some English expressions and words more clearly. In addition to this, I found I could read English sentences gradually faster and faster. Difference of my complihension between the strategy 1st and 6th showed my improvement. I really loved to feel them. I also used special pages of CNN text book. It was for building up vocabulary. I made flash cards and vocabulary notes. I always carry them in my bag, and sometimes review them. It is very easy to carry and to review.
What was more, I tried to do my own independent learning in my room. I watched TV; NHK in English. I could understand about 70 to 80% of their English. I think their English was easier than CNN. I listened to CNN radio on the Internet then I could hear some word or sentenses. They spoke very fast but I tried to listen. I also tried to dictate some English music and I really enjoyed it. I communicate with my friends in English everyday as much as I can, not only with international students but also with Japanese friends. I found that my reading ability is getting higher and higher compared to spring semester. I feel I can read writing text book or other English books easire than before. As for vocabulary, I found a lot of words in the writing text book that I already learned in the independent learning class. Whenever I found those words I felt really happy even though there were a lot of unknown words in that article. I found that my listening ability became really good even though I did not set the improvement of listening skill as my goal this time. I felt much easier to listen to Contemporary topics in the focused listening class than before. I loved sharing our opinions and strategies of our materials in conferences!! I am thinking that I will try to do some strategies that I learned from my friends during winter vacation. Now I can enjoy communicating with international students very much!!