There are two ways of taking a foreign language class. The first is sit there passively, and take months to learn (or somehow squeak through the exams and get a barely passing grade). The second is to grab the opportunity to learn and actually master it enough to let you put your new language skills to good use.

Here are some ways that you can really learn as much as you can while you’re studying a foreign language.

Master the basics

Understand each concept before going to the next one. All classes and language books will adopt a sequential approach to language, building on one skill and tackling increasingly difficult concepts as the course progresses. So if you don’t really grasp something as simple as direct-object and indirect-object pronouns, you’ll be incredibly confused by the time you start trying to get reflexive verbs.

Learn outside the classroom

You understand a language the more you practice it, read about it, and build your vocabulary. That’s why it’s important to go beyond the “required” reading or exercises. For example, download lists from the Internet to supplement what’s in your textbook. Invest in a phrase book if you’re not completely happy with the one the teacher’s using.

Embrace all opportunities to hear and speak the language

The more you hear it, the more familiar it becomes. Try going to the Internet and reading websites that are written in that language. Or rent a movie (use your native tongue for the subtitles). Buy magazines and newspapers or go to the Internet once more to see their online component. For example, you can get Reader’s Digest in several languages (the Spanish one is called Selecciones). The topics are fascinating and your vocabulary will definitely become broader. Sometimes people like to listen to songs in the language they’re learning.

Get the pronunciation correct right away

Some people feel that pronunciation is the least of their worries when they first start to learn language: “let me get the sentences right first, then I’ll worry about whether or not I’m saying it properly.” But once you pick up poor pronunciation habits, they will be very difficult to correct later on. Besides, pronunciation is a crucial aspect of mastering a language and being fluent enough to converse in it.