The Inevitable Intermediate Level Plateau

 

 

Don't disregard the intermediate level plateau—you'll get stuck if you do.  In my opinion, this is the most difficult skill level to be a learner, and it's the most difficult level to teach. 

When you’re a beginning/elementary level learner, novelty and excitement are abundant. Everything is new and advancement to the next level occurs relatively quickly. It's encouraging to start understanding basic things. Optimism abounds.

And advanced learners are largely functional in their second language. They know enough to enjoy a lot of the benefits of knowing a second language, and often, have more than enough skills to navigate most aspects of the language that they don’t understand. They know how to ask clarifying questions, seek help, and apologize for misunderstanding. Advanced learners often have a decent level of cultural competence, though they may struggle to understand thick regional accents or challenging writing. Increasing stamina in the target language is a goal of advanced learners, so they don't feel exhausted after time spent in the language. Maintaining first language skills and developing translation skills are also important for advanced learners working toward proficiency. 

But intermediate level, intermediate level is something else. The novelty has worn off. Intermediate students have invested a lot of hours in their studies, but the benefits/functionality of their second language skills remains relatively unchanged. Intermediate students know just enough to be frustrated. Of all the skills and all the levels, I say intermediate-level speaking practice level is the most difficult. Conversations are essential, but there are a lot of unavoidable mistakes to be made. Even students that excelled as beginner/elementary learners, can find setbacks. It's challenging to speak, even about topics that you can understand. For me as an intermediate student, it's been really helpful to have a second language tutor that speaks my first language. I certainly don't think it's necessary, but I do believe it's the most time efficient.

As a teacher (and as a student), I've noticed that reading and listening skills at this level are often significantly more developed that writing and speaking skills, which leads students to be even more frustrated. There is more understanding than the ability to express (written or spoken), so a lot of students feel incredibly self-conscious at this level, so it's imperative that instructors interact with students in an emotionally intelligent manner.  For students, it's important to understand that if you want to be fluent in a language, it's likely the intermediate level will be the most intimidating step. There is no escape. There is no way out but through. We must keep practicing.