As the semester comes to an end, this week I focused on reflecting on the progress I’ve made and what kind of learning methods would work best for me in the future. I looked back at the tasks I completed, the strategies I experimented with, and the moments where I felt either confident or stuck in my Korean.
One of the main things I noticed is that I learn best when I am actively engaged, like when I can handwrite sentences and short paragraphs, speaking out loud, and connecting language to culture or real-life topics all helped me remember structures and vocabulary much more effectively than only rereading notes. When I used tools like AI to explain grammar patterns or break sentences into subject, verb, and object as if I were five or something, I felt that I learned much quicker and easier. In contrast, purely passive methods, like just re-reading or listening without any output, felt less effective for long-term retention.
I also realized how much my emotions can guide me in language learning. When I felt enthusiastic or curious, especially when exploring cultural aspects related to the language, I was more willing to practice and less afraid of making mistakes. When I got frustrated by smaller errors, like mixing up similar forms or number systems, it was easy for me to lose motivation because I would keep thinking about this mistake.
Looking ahead, I want to design my future learning around the methods that fit me best, like regular handwritten practice, short but frequent speaking or recording sessions, and structured review of old material alongside new content. But overall, on a more personal level, I felt happy for how much more intentional and independent I have become in my language learning. At the beginning of the semester, I often doubted myself and worried about sounding weird or being wrong but now I trust my ability to choose strategies, notice what helps, and adjust when something is not working.
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