As a teacher here on italki, I know that most of us in the community will agree that taking classes with someone who is patient and knows how to help a student progress is a vital step in learning a new language. But there are lots of things that students can do on their own, too. I, also, have had the experience of learning a language so I understand that it is a rewarding, and yet challenging, endeavor. So, please, share your thoughts: What has helped you reach your current level of proficiency in the language you are learning? What strategies didn't work for you?
P.S. If you would like to share your experience taking classes with a teacher, those comments are welcome, too. :)
Although I'm a big believer in Anki I'll fully concede it's extraordinarily boring. For this reason I only use it for max. 10mins at a time, several times a day. I don't have the courage to use it for more than that in one stretch!
At this point it's worth clarifying what Anki is and isn't for. It isn't for learning new words. I'm totally against Memrise for that reason. It also isn't a substitute for practicing the four skills.
Anki is for revising words. A lot of language learning is repetition, repetition, repetition, and Anki is a very streamlined way to ensure you stay at the cusp of your knowledge, without plowing ahead too quickly or wallowing in stuff you already know.
