Write a list or journal entry (in English or your native language) detailing why you want to learn English as well as your goals for English study. Because English language learning is difficult, you will not get very far if you do not have a clearly outlined motivation for learning, as well as goals that will help you learn. Keep this list or journal in the front of your notebook for reference should you get frustrated with your study.
Choose the level of guidance you would like to receive in your English class. You can choose to teach yourself English with no instructor or guide using books and Internet resources to create your learning plan. You can also choose a limited facilitator. For instance, you can adopt a computer software program that will lead you through a predetermined plan but that you can reorder and complete at your leisure. Finally, you can take a formal online or correspondence class in which a live facilitator guides and tracks your progress. Make sure the format you choose will help you achieve the goals you established.
Choose/obtain the necessary materials. There are a variety of ways to learn English, using both old and new media. For instance, you can read English grammar books, but you can also receive lessons as podcasts and play grammar and vocabulary review games as apps on your smartphone. Make sure you are using materials that you are comfortable with and enjoy using. If you are taking a facilitated class and feel uncomfortable with some of the material, talk to the instructor about alternatives.
Practice daily. If you let too much time lapse between your lessons and practice time, you may forget what you have learned and lose your motivation. When you learn at home, it is easy to skip a few days of practice because you do not have anyone holding you accountable. Avoid this by writing practice time into your day-planner and setting a reminder alarm on your phone.
Ask a native English speaker to assess you. Whether you are learning English alone in your home or through an online class, you need to have periodic assessments by English speakers so you know what you can improve. In online classes, you can request extra time with a professor and software programs often included automated assessments. If you are unhappy with these types of assessments or are doing a self-study, ask local English speakers to help you by critiquing your usage.