Hi, this is Jiro.
English class should be a place where you use English, not just learn about it.
Just like PE class is a place where you use your body.
Imagine you go to a “PE Volleyball” class. You expect to play volleyball.
But the teacher only explains the rules on the board—how to serve, receive, and attack.
You never touch the ball.
Wouldn’t you feel frustrated?
You cannot really experience PE without using your body.
In the same way, you cannot learn English only by thinking about it.
A class like this is not real PE. It is only an explanation of PE.
1. The Problem with Many English Classes
Sadly, something similar often happens in English education in Japan.
English class should be full of language activities.
But in many cases, it is not.
Instead, students study grammar, memorize vocabulary, and translate sentences.
Reading becomes translation—like trying to swim while holding tightly to the side of the pool.
2. Why Learning Feels Frustrating
As a result, many classes create boredom, dissatisfaction, and frustration.
It is like an art class where no one paints,
a music class where no one sings,
or a PE class where no one moves.
3. What You Can Do Now
But don’t worry too much. There is still something you can do.
The real problem is this:
As an adult, it is often hard to know how to fix past learning.
You may want to learn English again—this time in a practical and communicative way.
Of course, it would be ideal to have a native English speaker nearby.
But that is not always possible.
4. Two Simple Ways to Practice Alone
So here is a simple answer:
Find ways to use English by yourself.
Two powerful methods are:
Listening
Reading aloud
5. Reading Aloud Is a Powerful Tool
Reading aloud is not just talking to yourself.
It is a kind of performance.
It is like practicing sports alone—hitting a ball against a wall in tennis or basketball.
When you have no one to talk to, this is one of the best ways to improve your English.
But how should you read aloud?
The key is simple:
Listen carefully and imitate carefully.
6. What Makes Listening Difficult?
So what makes listening difficult?
Vocabulary
Grammar
Real English sounds
In fact, vocabulary is usually not the biggest problem.
Listening uses a smaller number of words.
Grammar is also not the main problem.
You have already studied a lot of it. You can review it if needed.
7. The Real Problem: English Sounds
The biggest challenge is number 3: real English sounds.
English is often not pronounced as it is written.
For example:
“him” may sound like “im” or just “m”
“should” may sound like “shd” or even “sh”
Pronouns, auxiliary verbs, and small words are often shortened.
8. Listen to the Small Changes
So the first step is this:
Listen carefully to these small, subtle sound changes.
They may surprise you.
But they will also reward you—and help you rebuild your English.
私立学校に英語教師として勤務中、40代半ばに差し掛かったころ、荒れたクラスを立て直す策として、生徒に公言して英検1級に挑戦することを思い立つ。同様の挑戦を繰り返し、退職までに英検一級（検定連合会長賞）、TOEIC満点、国連英検SA級、フランス語一級、スペイン語一級（文科大臣賞）、ドイツ語一級、放送大学大学院修士号などの成果を得る。
アメリカで生徒への対応法を学ぶ為に研修（地銀の助成金）。最新の心理学に触れた。4都県での全発表、勤務校での教員への研修を英語で行う。現在も特別選抜クラスの授業を全て英語で行っている。「どうやって単語を覚えればいいですか？」という良くある質問に答える為、印欧祖語からの派生に基づく「生徒には見せたくない語源英単語集」を執筆中。完成間近。常日頃洋書の読破で様々な思考にふれているが、そうして得た発想の一つを生かして書いた論文がコロナ対策論文として最近入賞。賞品の牛肉に舌鼓をうっている。元英検面接委員