Let’s talk about the app Telegram and how I use it with English learners who are interested in trying a flexible self-paced learning option. What I’ve learned over the last 16 years teaching English is that we each have a unique learning style and learning in a way that supports that and matches your lifestyle, too, is optimum for language learning success. Read on to find out what that means and see if learning with Telegram could be the perfect next step for you!
Do you consider yourself an independent learner?
You might consider yourself to be an independent learner if you are someone who is self-motivated. Perhaps, you take the time to study on your own. Maybe you go and look for additional ways to learn English with everything around you. But you also want assurance that what you’re producing in the language makes sense. Independent doesn’t indicate learning alone!
Practicing English with me as your teacher through Telegram can benefit independent learners like you because it allows you the freedom to spend time with the language. You complete activities on your own and stay motivated because you know I am waiting to support you on Telegram. Whether it’s to receive 1:1 feedback from me, participate in Encouragement Hours, or interact with other learners in the exclusive English Comfort Corner group, I’m there to help.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is an instant messaging application that is free to download. It is similar to the application WhatsApp. You download the app to your smartphone and you can also add it to your desktop. Note that you can also keep your phone number private if you want.
For people who are regular smartphone users, it can be comforting to use an app like Telegram because apps are already a regular part of your life. For others, the fact that Telegram can be used on both the phone and the computer is divine. You can be working on your computer and send messages via Telegram. It’s all connected and easy!
As with most instant messaging phone apps, you can send written messages. It’s also possible to send voice messages, super important for speaking practice. Plus, you can have fun sending emojis and GIFs, too! If you’re ready to try Telegram out, I invite you to come and say hi to me after you download the app. Search for @VickieKelty and send me a message to say hi!
How I use Telegram with English learners
The process is simple. You send me a message on Telegram according to the course that you are a part of. Don’t worry, I give specific details in each course. Generally, it involves sending me written messages and audio messages and receiving helpful responses from me to support your English goals. The point is that you are speaking English which is the whole reason that you’re here!
1:1 Feedback
Receiving 1:1 feedback is the #1 reason people are excited to come to use English with me on Telegram. This option of 1:1 feedback allows you to receive personalized feedback from me to help support your English journey. Plus, everything is sent through a safe private space on Telegram.
You send me written messages and voice messages to practice the speaking exercises from my course. I reply with caring and supportive responses helping you improve and grow in the language.
Imagine sending a 60-second audio message describing your favorite TV show or book. Easy, right? Together we dissect your audio message so you can continue practicing effectively and confidently on your own. The feedback is where your English growth happens. 🙌 It’s a brilliant way to improve speaking!
Encouragement Hours
Encouragement Hours, which are really office hours but I wanted to give them a more motivating name because ‘office hours’ sounds cold and not fun 😅. I decided to call them Encouragement Hours!
During triannual Encouragement Hours, learners who have done courses that include this option, like Listen Read Speak, can use their hours to message me on the app and:
– Receive extra support from me to stay motivated.
– Discuss what you’ve been working on and share your accomplishments. I love celebrating your English wins!
– Resolve doubts like where to start or what to focus on next to reach your language goals.
V’s Blabberville
V’s Blabberville is my exclusive Telegram group where you can hang out in English and talk about daily life, language learning and spend time with other language learners in English. Within the group, we give advice, share articles and videos, participate in polls, and share our language stories with each other.
When you don’t live in a place where people are speaking English constantly, you don’t always have somewhere you can go to play around with the language. That’s why I created this special community. A place where you’ll have a convenient private group where you can go and message people in English. Sign up for one of my courses and get immediate access to this group.
Come try it out!
You can see that Telegram is a system similar to what you’re already using on your phone. Why not use it to enhance your English learning experience? Continue making English learning a constant part of your life with my support! Ready to try it out? Get Listen Read Speak, your opportunity to turn favorite TV shows and books into immersive language practice. And start using Telegram for your own English learning.
