Learning Tips Backed by Research
These tips are backed by language learning research, but we've kept them simple and practical. Everything is based on findings from studies, turned into clear, useful advice you can actually follow.
Vocabulary
Learn words in context. It's easier to remember new words when you see or hear them in real sentences, not just on lists.
Use spaced repetition. Aprendos schedules vocabulary exercises at the right intervals to help words stick.
Don't just look at the meaning - say the word, spell it, write it. The more ways you practise, the better you'll remember it.
Review words regularly, not all at once. Spacing your review out over time helps words stick in your long-term memory.
Use new words. Try writing a few sentences or using them in voice practice with our AI conversation partners.
Look for words that repeat often. High-frequency words are more useful and will appear again and again.
Read while you listen. Graded readers with audio help your brain connect sounds to words.
Pay attention to words in episodes and stories. The vocabulary exercises help you practice using them in context.
Pictures help. If a word is hard to remember, try drawing or finding an image that links to the meaning.
Test yourself. Try blanking out the word or the meaning and guessing - it helps reinforce what you know.
Grammar
Don't rely on rules alone - pay attention to grammar in real conversations, articles, and videos.
Practice noticing grammar. When you read or listen, try to spot certain verb tenses or sentence patterns.
It helps to say or write your own examples using a grammar point you've just learned.
Mix grammar into tasks. For example, describe a photo using past tense or compare two things using comparatives.
Short grammar-focused activities work better than long ones, especially if you get overwhelmed.
Mistakes are useful. When you get feedback, try to fix the mistake and redo the sentence.
Notice how the grammar differs from your native language. These contrasts can help things click.
Look for explanations, not just corrections. Understanding why something is wrong helps you avoid repeating the mistake.
Do grammar tasks with a purpose. Use grammar when writing emails, making plans, or telling stories.
Don't skip grammar, but don't let it stop you from speaking. Fluency and accuracy grow together.
Listening
Listen often - even short, daily practice helps more than long sessions once in a while.
Start with content at your level. Aprendos matches episodes and stories to your CEFR level so you can understand most of what you hear.
Use transcripts when needed, but try listening first without them. Then check the text if you missed something.
Repeat the same audio more than once. The second or third time, you'll hear much more than you did the first time.
Listen and read together. Following a transcript while listening helps you match sounds to words.
Set a goal when you listen. For example, 'Can I catch three new words?' or 'What's the main idea?'
Try to shadow - repeat what you hear out loud. It improves pronunciation and helps your brain process the language faster.
Expose yourself to different speakers and accents. Aprendos episodes feature multiple voices to prepare you for real conversations.
Pause and replay tricky parts. Don't be afraid to go back and listen again - it's how your brain learns patterns.
Practice speaking after listening. Use voice practice to discuss what you heard with an AI conversation partner.
General
You need lots of input - reading, listening, watching. The more you hear and see, the more you learn.
Pay attention. It's not just about exposure - it's what you notice and remember that matters.
Use what you learn. Speaking, writing, and summarising help you learn faster. Try voice practice to put new language into action.
Mix content types. Podcasts, graded readers, and conversation practice each build different skills.
Review often. Don't wait until you've forgotten - quick reviews help things stay in your memory longer.
Mix fun and focus. Enjoy an episode for the story, then go back and study the vocabulary.
Build consistency. 15-20 minutes a day is better than 2 hours once a week. Aprendos tracks your consistency to help you stay on target.
Trust the system. COACH tracks your progress, identifies your learning gaps, and recommends exercises to help you improve.
Don't panic if you forget. Forgetting is part of learning. Just review and keep going.
Keep going. Learning a language takes time - but it works best when you stick with it.