1. Pay Attention in order to know what you should be doing in class and so that you can pick up new vocabulary and grammar.

Stop whatever else you are doing and concentrate on your work.

Look and read what is written (a) on the blackboard and (b) in the handouts.

Listen (a) to the teacher's directions and explanations and (b) for the way the teacher and other students use their English.

Think (a) about the purpose of what you are doing in class, (b) about what you might want to communicate in your English and (c) about how you can do that.

2. Practice--It is important to create opportunity wherever you can--in school and outside of school--to use your English.

What to say--You can do this anywhere, even on a crowded train or subway ... with your eyes closed. Try to imagine conversations that you might actually have in Japan or abroad.

How to say it--Think about the vocabulary and grammar that will help you in these imaginary conversations, and write these useful sentence and phrases down before you forget them.

Writing/speaking--Write your homework before class. That will help you use as much of your English as you can in class.

3. Ask Questions--Learning is not simply memorizing something the teacher tells you. It is an active quest for the knowledge you need and skills you want to master.

Yourself--Ask yourself questions. In other words, think about things deeply. Try to recognize the purpose of what you are doing and the patterns of the language you hear.

Dictionaries--Use dictionaries, reference books, and the Internet to find the answers to your questions.

Other students--Every student is also an Assistant English Teacher. You have all been studying English for at least six years. and thus have knowledge to share with each other.

You also need to ask each other questions to show your interest in the experiences and opinions of the people around you.

The teacher--When you have questions that nobody in your group can answer, ask the teacher. If he is with another group, write your questions in your group report, so that you won't forget to ask when he comes to your group.