February 20, 2015　=========
☆ improve　　上達する
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There is a common saying in English that is often used in business and science, that says, “That which is measured improves.” Basically, if you cannot measure something, then you cannot improve it because you have no idea if you have improved or not. In order to improve your English, you need to be measuring your performance. The easiest way might be an English test, such as TOEIC or TOEFL, but it doesn’t need to be a test, you could just test yourself.
There are three steps to improve any area of your life, including English:
1. Know your starting point – this is the point where your progress will be measured from or compared to. As I said, a test might be the easiest way, but a teacher or friend, or even Internet tests could help.
2. Set a goal. Get a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
3. Determine how you will measure your progress. A test, an online test, a friend, or even just test yourself.
By the way, if you don’t think you want to measure your English, or if you’re not really sure that it will help you improve, then one more thing to think about is the Hawthorne Effect. The Hawthorne Effect says that knowing that something is being monitored causes us to work harder and perform better. I guess that is why people have success with the diets when they weigh themselves daily or they track their calories!
So measure your English performance in whatever way you can, and watch yourself improve!
Bye,
Chris