The study routine of an intermediate learner is quite different to that of a beginner:
• There is less structured learning of grammar
• Choosing what to study next is your choice
• A lot of interesting content opens up as understanding increases
• Learning becomes more goal-directed
While some things change, many aspects are still useful:
• Drilling key forms and words is still a useful activity
• Flashcards are still a useful resource: while some learners use flashcards less, others increase their usage because they like to consciously focus on improving their vocabulary
• Content is still essential
There is a huge amount of nuance to grammar and vocabulary usage, so the only way to properly absorb it all is with content.
Nearly everything you do will be centered around content. Writing and speaking will also start to feature much more prominently in your study.
Make language learning a habit
Build a habit of studying at a regular time each day.
The best time is usually first thing in the morning, while you are still fresh and probably don’t have anything else scheduled.
With a good habit, your automatic process should be to begin studying without you having to think about it.
If you have to ask yourself “should I study or should I do something else?”, it takes mental effort to force yourself to study that will eventually wear you down over time. Instead, your default should be that time is dedicated to study.
If you want to use that time for something else, you need to find valid and specific reason.
It helps a lot if your interaction with the language is consistent.
Try not to take long breaks from learning. Do at least a little bit every day. Too tired? Just do five minutes.
Those five minutes now keep you in the habit of doing something every day and keep the language active in your mind.
Try to intersperse your learning.
Two 30-minute study periods a day are more effective than one hour at the end. One hour every day is far better than seven hours on Saturday and none during the rest of the week.
