1.    
I would like to refreshen my English in terms of talking as I did not really have the opportunity to speak much English after my high school graduation. In class I realized that I had some difficulties with coming up with specific words quickly which made me somehow panic since I did not experience that during my schooltime. 

How?:
I could achieve this goal by speaking more English in my free time with friends or family. After conversations I could reflect on how it went, how comfortable I felt and which errors I made. This strategy may increase my confidence for future conversations. I have decided to speak only English at home for one day a week. This way I practise using my language in everyday situations. I have chosen Saturday as the day. Most Saturdays I do something with my girlfriend who can help me analyse and improve my speaking abilities afterwards.

 

2.   
Another thing that I strive for is to kind of upgrade my grammar skills. Talking works automatically for me, which is why I don’t usually think about grammar in terms of theory. However sometimes I do notice when I make certain mistakes while talking and writing.
 

How?:
I could achieve this goal by reading, writing and quizzing. When I read, I will encounter several grammar rules which will help with my natural grammar usage. With this, I will start to use them in my writing. Besides taking grammar quizzes I could additionally ask others for help and feedback. I will make a list in which I note down the topics that I would like to repeat. For example the right usage of times. Then I can set a period in which I would like to work on these topics. For example, for the times, I can plan to repeat, practise and apply one time for each week in October and November.

 

 

3.   
I noticed that sometimes I find it quite difficult to use synonyms or more complex words when writing a text. I tend to write rather simple respectively simple-minded sentences. To improve this, I have to expand my vocabulary especially terms related to tourism and leisure.
 

How?:
I could achieve this goal by studying content regarding my course of study. Watching series, films or shows ins English could improve and upgrade my glossary. When I started watching series and films in English, it was always a bit unusual at first. But now I always prefer to watch these things in the original language because the dubbing and the feelings that are conveyed by the spoken language are even more captivating. Another thing I want to start doing is solving Sudoku and other small quizzes in English newspapers. I have bought an online subscription to an English newspaper and will solve a few problems during breakfast on the days of English lectures.

 

4.    
Also, another goal is to practice my skills of arguing and analyzing which I will certainly need for my oral exam this term. I find it important to be able to find evidence or examples to back up my assertions for instance when preparing a presentation or leading a discussion. 

How?:
I could achieve this goal by learning how to incorporate reliable sources and developing my reading skills with which I will be better at summarizing, presenting or discussing ideas and arguments. I can perfectly combine this goal with my oral presentation this semester. Me and my team partner have already started collecting information on our topic. We will then meet outside of lectures and compare our search results. Then we can discuss it and critically question ourselves.

Looking back on this semester, I can say that I have achieved some of my goals. It was often not easy to find time, but I was able to practise one thing or another along the way. 

To go into the goals, I would say that I finally gained more self-confidence in speaking. As described in the goals, it was not possible for me to speak English regularly after school. Through the lessons at the university and the practice I've been doing at home, I've been speaking more and I feel much more comfortable again. 

I also notice progress in terms of comprehension. I have watched several films with the original language, read in two  books and even participated in a workshop in English. It is much easier for me to follow a speaker and pay attention to the details of what is being said. It also makes it easier for me to remember grammatical subtleties and use them myself. The exercises in class have also helped me. 

Another thing I wanted to do was to improve my word finding. I believe that I have gained a better vocabulary through my project and my written texts, but that it still has a lot of room for improvement. For the next semester, I plan to work on this point even more. 

One big point I wanted to improve was argumentation and analysis. My project on a very interesting but also polarising topic gave me a perfect opportunity to practise this. Although I was excited to present it, I felt I could convince more easily and argue well. 

All in all, I still see many points that I want to improve and work on. Nevertheless, I think I have already made very good and visible progress, which I hope I can apply in the upcoming exam.