Documenting your language learning is one of the best things you can do. It gives you something to look back on and help realise how much you’ve improved and what still needs work. But how can you do this? Here’s how to record your language learning progress.

What You’re Already Doing

Firstly, if you’re using any kind of note-taking method as you work through activities and resources, then you’re documenting your progress in some way.

However, as most of this can consist of “A = 2, B = 1, C = 3” or “1) True, 2) True, 3) False”, it doesn’t lend itself well to what we’re after. You also want to be documenting your production of the language.

That’s just a fancy way of saying writing and speaking.

Trackers, Planners, Keeping Check

Another thing you might already be doing, but could be worth including if you’re not, is using a tracker.

This could be a simple tally kept at the front of your notebook. It could be goal setting and review. It could be a habit tracker.

If you’re after something pre-made to help you here, check out The Solo Language Learner Planner.

How to Record Your Language Learning Progress: Speaking

Your Phone

Your phone is the easiest way to record yourself speaking.

Either opt for video or use a voice recording app (some phones have these built-in).

To stop your phone getting clogged up with the files, you can pick a time – weekly, monthly – to take them off the phone and store on a computer or harddrive.

SpeakPipe or Vocaroo

If you’d like to record on your computer, you can use an online tool like SpeakPipe or Vocaroo to do so.

The useful thing here is you can easily send these files to a tutor if that’s something you’ve agreed on. And of course another advantage is that your phone won’t get clogged up with the files!

YouTube

If you’re someone who does well with a little external accountability, YouTube is a great option for recording your language learning progress.

Not only will you be going public, but you’ll also be recording video.

Video has the advantage over just recording your speech as it helps you to reflect upon your body language and gestures, as well as the words, when you watch things back.

READ MORE: FluentU Review: How to Use YouTube Videos for Language Learning

Instagram Highlight

Another option for video is to save your updates on Instagram.

You could post videos (or audio if you prefer) to your main feed.

However, if you do that, you’ll have to scroll back through to find them anytime you want to check back.

Another option to keep everything in one place is to use Instagram Highlights. These are the circles you see on people’s profiles above their main feed, and are saved from Instagram Stories.

Here’s how to do it…

READ MORE: Why Social Media is the Best Free Language Learning Tool

How to Record Your Language Learning Progress: Writing

Notebook

The simplest way to track your writing is with a humble notebook!

You probably already have one lying around, you can write about absolutely anything, and you can get started today.

Keep the notebook somewhere you plan to be writing a lot. For example, if your goal is to write just before bed or when you wake up each morning, then place the notebook beside your bed.

Note-taking App

You could use an app specifically for this purpose. Perhaps something like Evernote.

Alternatively, you can keep them on one note file on the in-built note-taking app on your phone.

Much like a notebook, this one is all about the convenience.

italki Notebook

Much like with YouTube, this option is good because there’s an element of external accountability as it’s public!

Another benefit of using italki Notebook is that people can comment and help you out with corrections – something you’d need to consider if only using a paper notebook or note-taking app.

READ MORE: 12 Lessons in 12 Different Languages in 1 Month with the italki Diversity Language Challenge

Lingora

Lingora is another option for sharing your writing (and speaking!) and getting feedback. They actually sponsored season 2 of Language Stories too!

Similar to italki Notebook, it’s public and you can get feedback on what you share.

What I like about it is that you get prompts and inspiration for what to write if you need it.