10 reasons why a student isn’t getting better with their English language lessons

For both students and teachers, understanding why English language lessons may not yield the desired improvement is crucial for fostering effective learning.

Despite dedicated efforts, many learners struggle to progress due to a variety of common obstacles.

By identifying these challenges—ranging from inconsistent practice to mismatched instruction—students can adopt better strategies, and teachers can tailor their approaches to support meaningful growth. Addressing these barriers collaboratively can transform the language-learning experience and lead to lasting proficiency.

10 reasons why your English lessons (or any language) don’t seem to be helping you

1. Lack of consistent practice

One major reason people struggle to improve their English despite taking lessons is a lack of consistent practice. Sporadic or irregular engagement outside of structured lessons significantly hinders progress, as language acquisition demands frequent exposure and active use to build fluency.

Without regularly practicing speaking, listening, reading, or writing in real-world contexts, learners struggle to retain and apply what they’ve learned. Consistent, deliberate practice is essential to reinforce lessons and achieve meaningful improvement.

2. Inadequate learning methods

Inadequate learning methods can significantly hinder progress in English language acquisition. Lessons that fail to align with a learner’s preferred style—whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic—may not effectively engage or resonate with them.

Additionally, an overemphasis on grammar rules at the expense of practical communication skills, such as speaking or listening in real-world contexts, can limit fluency and confidence. Tailoring instruction to individual needs and balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application are crucial for meaningful improvement.

Most online courses are generic in nature. They’re not designed for individuals but for the company. And we all know what companies want: money.

3. Fear of making mistakes

Fear of making mistakes is a common and significant barrier to improving English language skills. Anxiety about errors often discourages learners from actively speaking or writing, as they may feel embarrassed or fear judgment, which hinders their ability to practice and gain confidence.

This reluctance can slow progress, as language acquisition relies heavily on trial and error in real-world communication. Overcoming this fear by embracing mistakes as a natural part of learning can help learners build fluency and improve more effectively.

4. Limited real-world application

Limited real-world application significantly hinders English language improvement, as learners who don’t actively use the language in practical settings struggle to build fluency and retain what they’ve learned.

Without engaging in conversations, writing, or other authentic communication, the skills taught in lessons remain theoretical and quickly fade. Immersing oneself in real-life contexts, such as speaking with native speakers or writing for practical purposes, reinforces vocabulary and grammar while boosting confidence.

Regular application in diverse situations is essential for transforming classroom knowledge into lasting proficiency.

5. Unrealistic expectations

Unrealistic expectations can significantly hinder progress in learning English. Many learners anticipate rapid fluency, underestimating the substantial time and consistent effort required to master a language.

This misconception often leads to frustration when progress feels slow, causing disengagement or even abandonment of lessons. Setting achievable goals and understanding that language acquisition is a gradual process can help maintain motivation and foster steady improvement.

6. Insufficient feedback

Insufficient feedback can significantly hinder progress in English language learning. Without personalized, constructive input from instructors, learners may remain unaware of specific weaknesses in their pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary usage.

This lack of targeted guidance can lead to repeated mistakes and stalled improvement. Regular, detailed feedback is essential to help learners identify areas for growth and develop effective strategies to advance their skills.

We simply need to know what we’re doing wrong and how we can address it.

7. Plateau effect

Sometimes, you hit a wall with learning. The plateau effect often stalls progress for intermediate or advanced English learners, making improvement feel frustratingly out of reach.

Without targeted strategies, such as expanding vocabulary, practicing complex sentence structures, or engaging in authentic conversations, learners may struggle to move beyond their current proficiency level.

This stagnation can sap motivation, causing some to abandon their efforts altogether. To overcome this hurdle, learners should seek tailored guidance, immersive practice, and varied resources to reignite their progress.

8. Distractions or a lack of motivation

Distractions and a lack of motivation significantly hinder progress in English language learning. External factors, such as a busy schedule or competing priorities, can divert attention from consistent practice.

Similarly, low commitment or unclear goals—such as learning without a specific purpose like career advancement or travel—can diminish effort and focus.

Setting clear objectives and minimizing distractions are crucial for maintaining motivation and achieving improvement.

9. Inappropriate level of instruction

When the level of instruction is inappropriate, learners may struggle to improve their English skills. Lessons that are too advanced can overwhelm students, leading to frustration and disengagement, while those that are too basic may cause boredom, reducing motivation to participate actively.

Tailoring lessons to match the learner’s current proficiency level is crucial for maintaining engagement and fostering steady progress. By ensuring the content is appropriately challenging, instructors can help learners build confidence and achieve meaningful improvement.

Sometimes, students demand upper levels. Here, the teacher should explain why going down in levels is important to their learning. As they say, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”

10. Limited vocabulary exposure

Limited vocabulary exposure significantly hinders progress in English language learning. Focusing on repetitive or narrow vocabulary, such as basic phrases or overly academic terms, restricts learners’ ability to express themselves effectively in diverse situations.

Exposure to a broad range of practical, contextually relevant words—through reading, conversations, or media—enhances fluency and confidence. Without this variety, learners struggle to adapt their language skills to real-world communication demands.

11. Maybe it’s our upbringing

We think in lists, but number 11 really hit the nail on the head for me as I was doing some extra reading.

According to Maya Alkateb-Chami:

“More than 40% of children in the world are schooled in a language they do not understand or speak well.”

Part of our difficulty in learning may very well stem from what we know and have experienced from childhood to adulthood. In psychology, we see this clearly. However, we’ve been somewhat silent about it. Part of your struggle as a teacher or student could be your upbringing.

While the mentioned article discusses a correlation between students who are taught a different language in their homes, we could dive further to realize that everything we do is shaped by our past experiences, and especially how and what we’ve been taught.

The good news is that we’re not broken. We can overcome, but it will take extra effort. Remember to be patient with yourself and others as a student or teacher. Focus on the solution and not the problem.

In summary…

For students and teachers alike, recognizing and addressing these barriers to English language improvement is key to unlocking progress. By fostering consistent practice, embracing mistakes, and tailoring lessons to individual needs, learners can overcome obstacles like fear, plateaus, and inadequate methods.

Teachers play a vital role in providing personalized feedback and creating engaging, real-world applications to sustain motivation.

Together, with patience and targeted strategies, students and educators can transform challenges into opportunities for meaningful language mastery.

For further reading:

• Column: Foreign language learning frustrations
• Lost in translation
• Demotivating Factors in the Foreign Language Learning
• Factors of Success and Failure in Second Language Learning
• Myths of Foreign Language Learning and Learning Disabilities