The Callan Method is a fast and direct way to learn English, focusing on speaking and listening. While it’s highly effective, learners sometimes fall into traps that slow down their progress. In this article, we’ll look at the most common mistakes made when using the Callan Method, and how to avoid them.

Not Speaking Loudly Enough

One of the principles of the Callan Method is to get students speaking as much as possible. Many learners, especially those who are shy or not confident, make the mistake of speaking too quietly during lessons. This reduces the effectiveness of the method, as it’s essential to practise projecting your voice and speaking with clarity. To make the most of the Callan Method, you must ensure you’re speaking loudly and clearly at all times.

Not Repeating the Phrases

The Callan Method is built around repetition, which helps to reinforce language patterns and improve fluency. Some students think that once they’ve understood a phrase or concept, there’s no need to repeat it. However, skipping repetition is a common mistake. Repeating phrases, even when you understand them, is key to building confidence and muscle memory in language learning.

Being Afraid of Making Mistakes

Another frequent error is the fear of making mistakes. Students often hesitate to speak because they’re worried about getting something wrong. The Callan Method encourages learners to make mistakes, as this is a natural part of the learning process. By trying to avoid mistakes, you limit your chances of improvement. It’s better to speak up, make errors, and learn from them than to stay quiet.

Not Following the Teacher’s Pace

The Callan Method is designed to move at a quick pace, pushing students to think and respond in English without overthinking. Some learners try to slow down the lessons, asking for extra time to think or translate in their heads. This defeats the purpose of the method, which is to encourage spontaneous responses. To benefit fully, it’s important to trust the process and follow the pace set by the teacher, even if it feels challenging at first.

Not Attending Classes Regularly

Consistency is crucial in language learning, and the Callan Method is no exception. Missing classes or attending irregularly is one of the biggest mistakes learners can make. Each lesson builds on the previous one, and irregular attendance disrupts the learning flow. To get the most from the Callan Method, it’s important to attend classes regularly and stay committed to the process.