5 things that are really worth doing before your first English lesson

A good start helps achieve success, and not just in learning the English language. It's not about buying a new notebook and checking your camera. It's about starting smart, so that your very first lesson makes sense and gives you more than just an 'introduction.' Here are 5 things that matter.

1. Write down what frustrated you in your previous English learning experience If you already have some experience learning English, there were certainly things that worked great, but also likely those small details that irritated you. It's not worth repeating the same mistakes. Don't be afraid to talk to your new instructor about what you dislike and what bothers you. Before starting a new collaboration, it's worth considering:

• What irritated me in previous lessons?

• What caused me to lose motivation?

• When did learning stop making sense?

  This isn't complaining; this is important information that allows the instructor to adjust the course to avoid past mistakes. Each of us has different needs and requirements, and being aware of these things really helps build an effective relationship. Make a list and share it with your new instructor.

2. Determine how much time you realistically want to spend on English outside of lessons The success of your English lessons largely depends on you. It doesn't matter how great the classes are or how much you understand. It doesn't matter how much you do during the lesson; if you don't dedicate time outside of class to consolidate the material, the results may be poor. Consider: How much time can and do you really want to dedicate? 5 minutes a day? 30 minutes once a week? Or perhaps nothing? The instructor needs to know what they are working with. If you only have time for the lessons, that's fine, but then expectations must be set realistically. If you want to do extra work, great, you'll get more materials. The worst is when someone says, "I'll do a lot," and then does nothing, feels guilty, and the whole plan stops working.

3. Choose topics you genuinely want to talk about – in English Language learning becomes a pleasure when it connects with your passions. Not everyone wants to talk about the weather (though it's an important topic in British English) or corporate work. Think:

• What are you excited about?

• What podcasts, movies, YouTube channels do you watch?

• What would you like to understand or discuss in English? Even if it's cooking vegan burgers, RPG games, or the stock market – that's great! This will make the lessons yours, and you'll derive pleasure from learning and see results faster. Prepare a list of 5 topics that genuinely interest you and don't be afraid to expand it as you learn.

4. Define what "an effective lesson" means to you For everyone, "a good lesson" means something different:

• For one person: "I spoke a lot."

• For another: "I understood the grammar."

• For a third: "I learned and memorized 3 specific phrases." The sooner you and your instructor establish your criteria for success, the easier it will be to assess progress and avoid disappointment.

5. Write down what "success" would look like for you after 6 months of study Many students say, "I want to improve my English," but they don't specify what that means in practice. Meanwhile, it's worth telling your instructor during the very first lesson what will signify that the learning is working. Example goals:

• "I want to talk more fluently about what I do at work."

• "I want to stop freezing up when talking to a foreigner."

• "I want to chat freely on vacation and not be afraid to speak up." The more specifically you name it, the better the instructor can select methods, materials, and a working rhythm. Without this, it's easy to fall into the trap of: "I'm learning, but I don't know why."

The first lesson isn't just a "get-to-know-you conversation." It's the moment when you can, and even should, set up the collaboration on your terms.

These five things that are really worth doing before your first lesson (or maybe six or seven!) will help you enter the learning process consciously, without repeating old mistakes, and with a much greater chance of success. After all, it's your money, so spend it wisely.

Grzegorz S.