Many of us have at one time or another fantasized about becoming fluent in a foreign language. At that point, most people take the path toward half-hearted attempts at learning but never really become proficient. Meanwhile, a brave few commit themselves and really make it happen. What makes the folks who choose the latter path undertake the countless hour of study, occasional moments of embarrassment, and the uncertainty of success?

My road to mastery of a foreign language – Japanese – began in college. It was tough going at first, but over the ensuing 15 or so years I attained a high level of proficiency in the language: I have given lectures at Japanese universities, critiqued essays for Japanese college students, and translated books from English into Japanese. And along the way, I have come to believe in the inherent value of learning and mastering a foreign language.

Here are 5 reasons to why you should consider learning a foreign language:

Reason #1: Expands your social network: The act of studying a foreign language can help you bond with fellow travelers along the same path. And, once you become proficient in the language, your social network of potential contacts and acquaintances will increase by the thousands or millions as you become able to communicate with a whole new population of people.

Reason #2: Gives you sense of accomplishment: The sense of accomplishment one feels upon becoming fluent in a foreign language is directly proportional to how difficult it is to learn. Like anything else in life, we gain a feeling of self-confidence and satisfaction when we overcome challenges. Because languages are so multi-dimensional, learning a language means really stretching ourselves mentally and emotionally. There are few better feelings in the world than the first time you have a meaningful exchange with a native speaker of the language you are studying.

Reason #3: Provides new avenues for making money: The world is getting smaller, but not everyone speaks your native language. Learning a foreign language opens you up to a world of opportunities both abroad and at home. Banks, technology companies, consulting firms, international trading firms, and educational institutions around the world are always looking to give well-paying jobs to people who speak a foreign language.

Reason #4: Expands your consciousness: When I am speaking or writing Japanese, I immediately switch into a different mode of awareness. You, too, will find that as you become proficient in the language you are studying, you will not be able to avoid seeing the world a little bit differently: almost like you have two sets of lenses through which to view the same reality.

Reason #5: Makes you more globally aware: As you study a foreign language, you will inevitably be exposed to the culture, history and sociology of the regions or countries with which your language is associated. With ongoing environmental challenges, global trade and regional conflicts, becoming more globally aware may be an essential part of survival in the 21st century.

The reasons why one should learn a foreign language are many. Whether you intend to expand your awareness, achieve a deeper understanding of yourself or just want to increase your value in the marketplace, learning a foreign language may be one of the best investments you can make.

There is no magic formula to improving your language skills in your native tongue or to learning a new language. You must simply take your time and put in plenty of effort and hard work in order to be successful. It is important to be patient with yourself as well and not to push yourself to work beyond what you are capable of. Rome wasn’t built in a day after all and the same is true of language acquisition.

Learning and practice are the two main components to studying language. Work hard with your lessons and then set aside plenty of time to practice what you have learned. Be aware that simply memorizing words and/or phrases is not going to get you where you want to go. Read on for some tips that can help make your study of a new language as efficient as can be.

Taking a class at a language school is an excellent way to learn. Check at your local community college or recreation center to see if classes are taught in other languages. Often there is more than one level to the classes, such as beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Immersing yourself in the language and culture is another way to learn a new language. For example if you want to learn Spanish, spend some time in Spain or better yet, live there for a period of time to acquaint yourself with the ways of the people and the language. In the same way, if you want to learn French then go to France to learn from those who speak the language fluently.

Take online language lessons by way of the Internet. Euro Talk is a website that sells language learning software in over 100 languages and includes step-by-step instruction. Not only are the lessons at Euro Talk (www.eurotalk.ie) informative and educational but they also provide enjoyment to accompany the learning!

If you wish to learn French and your native tongue is English, then let Euro Talk help you see the unique differences between the two languages and from there you can decide what it is you need to concentrate on. Stand with the beginners’ section of Euro Talk and work first on basic vocabulary words, as well as grammar, pronunciation and verb lessons.

Another excellent way to learn is to get into the habit of listening to the language you wish to learn on a day-to-day basis. As you acquaint yourself with the language from an aural perspective you will not just learn the words but also the accent and the intonations of how words and sentences are spoken. Listening to music and watching movies in the new language is also highly recommended.

http://french.about.com/cs/beginning1/a/start.htm

The Praxis test is a rigorous series of tests required to obtain teacher licensure in the United States. Majority of the states (currently 44) in continental U.S. and its jurisdictions require beginning teachers to pass these tests. The Praxis test is also a way for many education agencies to make licensing decisions and it’s also used by colleges and universities as part of their qualification requirements for educational programs for teachers.

The Praxis test has three categories, each of which corresponds to the development of the pedagogic knowledge and skills of teachers. These are Praxis I, Praxis II and Praxis III.

Praxis I is the series of tests that are used for the assessment of a teacher’s academic skills. It is required for entry to a training program for teachers. It measures the teacher’s knowledge and teaching ability in the three basic skills: reading, writing and mathematics. To take the Praxis I test, a teacher may choose either a paper-based or a computer-based format. Generally, this Praxis series test is taken during the initial stages of a teacher’s college career.

Praxis II test is used for licensure for entry to the teaching profession and measures a teacher’s content knowledge and pedagogic skills through subject assessments. This series of tests are used to assess knowledge in general and specific subjects for K-12 teachers.

The Praxis II test has three test sub categories: Subject Assessment, PLT or Principles of Learning and Teaching and Teaching Foundations. The Praxis II is taken as part of the certification and licensing process that is required by many states and professional organizations.

Praxis III test is an assessment of a teacher’s classroom performance, that is, his or her knowledge and skills as measured within a classroom setting. The test evaluates a teacher’s teaching abilities through practice. This involves direct observation, interviews and review of a teacher’s documentation including lesson plans. This series of tests are conducted and completed in a classroom setting and consists of numerous assessment criteria involving four interconnected domains.

While the Praxis III test is used for licensing decisions by many states and professional agencies, it may not be a requirement for employment decisions, especially on teachers who are already licensed.

Where to take the Praxis test
Find out first what Praxis test you should take and then get in touch with your state’s Department of Education for the test schedules. Some Praxis tests may be taken using a computer while others require you to find a local testing center authorized to administer these tests. Some tests, such as the Praxis III series, require a classroom setting. Check out the Educational Testing Service website (http://www.ets.org) to find out more.

To take the Praxis Series test, you can register online at the ETS website or fill out a hard copy of a registration form and send it through mail. The registration forms cannot be downloaded, although you’ll find a copy in a Praxis test bulletin, which you can get from Testing Services. Be sure to register before the deadline. You’ll need to send out your form so ETS has enough time to send you an admission ticket. You’ll need this ticket to know where you’ll need to report for testing, what requirements you need to bring, etc.

In case you miss the deadline, you can also try to report to your testing location on the day of the Praxis test and try to get seating as a stand by. You can call ETS to find out which test center will be offering the particular Praxis test you have to take.