If you're a first-time Mandarin learner, you know that emotional ups and downs come with the territory. When you understand a concept or begin to comprehend the language, you may experience feelings of exhilaration. However, these are often followed by moments of frustration and discouragement, during which you might feel as if you will never master the concepts and attain the ability to understand and communicate effectively. Below are some time-tested, research-verified approaches that will help mitigate potential frustration and will increase your ability to succeed in Mandarin learning.

1. Set realistic expectations
It is natural to feel uncomfortable in a Mandarin course. You're used to being in lessons where the mode of communication -- the language of instruction -- is a given.
In a language lesson, however, it is the mode of communication itself that is the focus of instruction. For this reason, a language lesson is different than most other lessons you will ever take. Not understanding and making mistakes -- things that are negative learning indicators in other courses -- are a very natural part of the language learning process. Accept the fact that you will not understand everything. In fact, at the very beginning, you will not understand much at all.
Remember that during the initial period of adaptation your ear and your mind are adjusting to the sounds and the rhythm of Mandarin. Though you will not understand all of what is being said, you will be amazed at your increasing ability to make sense of the language. Remember that the only way to learn the language is through practice, practice, and more practice; in the course of practicing you will make many errors … and you will learn from them.

2. Break study time into smaller chunks
Research shows that Mandarin students learn more effectively and retain more when they study frequently and for shorter periods than if they study infrequently for extended periods. Try to study each day, and whenever possible, several times a day. This means, for instance, doing a few homework exercises each day rather than doing all homework assignments the night before they are due.
In addition, there are many otherwise mentally "idle" moments during the day when you can work in some studying. For example, you can review vocabulary while eating breakfast, recite new words while showering, count your steps as you walk, name as many object as you can in Mandarin, take your vocabulary flash cards with you on a road trip.
There are many moments during the day when you can squeeze in a few minutes of practice time. Through the repetition of material, it will become increasingly familiar, until it eventually becomes an automatic part of your language repertoire.

3. Learn vocabulary effectively
Vocabulary is the most essential element of communication. The more words you know, the more you can say and understand.
The absolute best way to learn vocabulary is through the use of flash cards that you make yourself. Purchase a set of 3 x 5 index cards and cut them in half. (This makes them small enough to carry everywhere.) Write a vocabulary word on the front and its English definition on the back. As you learn more information about each word, you can add these to the cards.
When studying, organize words in meaningful groups (e.g., by nouns, verbs). Shuffle the cards or groups, so that you use the stack(s) in a different order each time. Use the cards in both directions: first look at the Chinese words and try to recall the English definition. Then shuffle and look at the English definitions and attempt to remember the Chinese words. Flash cards offer many possibilities. Take advantage!

4. Practice Mandarin actively
Whenever possible, speak Mandarin aloud rather than reciting it silently to yourself. Say vocabulary words out loud, read passages in the text aloud, do pronunciation activities orally and not just mentally. Write out the answers to activities rather than gliding through them in your mind. Read aloud entire sentences in an activity rather than just reading a fill-in response. Transferring language from your mind to your mouth is a skill that requires a great deal of practice.

5. Do homework conscientiously
In the course of a conversation, it is not practical to look up dictionary. But homework offers you a golden opportunity to practice your Mandarin skills in a deliberate manner.
When doing your homework, you have the luxury of time. Look up words you don't know. Refer to charts and other resources available to you. This will reinforce the material and eventually it will become automatic. If you never look things up or simply guess, you will be strongly reinforcing errors and you will never learn proper words and phrases. Read instructor feedback on homework and ask clarifying questions when necessary. Maximize the utility of your homework to your learning.

6. Form study groups
Meet regularly with other Mandarin learners to work together on vocabulary, to study for tests, or just to practice speaking the language. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to language learning. Learning with others helps decrease knowledge gaps and gives you opportunities to actively discuss concepts and material covered in class, thereby increasing the chances that you will remember it. You will benefit from the knowledge and abilities of other learners, as they will from yours.

7. Identify your learning style
Each person has his/her own learning style and everyone learns at a different pace. Try not to get frustrated if someone else seems to be progressing more quickly than you. You might find that you have a knack for grammar but have difficulty with speaking. Or you may find that you understand things perfectly in lesson, but when it comes to the homework assignments, you feel lost. Strive to identify your own personal strengths and let these help you in your learning process. If you are a visual learner, for example, write things down and try to associate words with images. At the same time, strive to identify your own personal learning barriers and make efforts to overcome them.

8. Maximize your Mandarin exposure
If your ultimate goal is language fluency, as it is for many students learning a language, then it is important to know that you will become more fluent more quickly if you increase the amount of contact you have with Mandarin. You can start by simply practicing the language with other learners. You can make friends with Chinese people or attend a Mandarin conversation hour/corner. Rent a movie in Mandarin, or listen to authentic audio or video online. (Youku.com and Tudou.com have numerous video clips).
Remember that you won't be able to understand everything, and you might not understand much at all at first. Nonetheless, these experiences will make you increasingly familiar with the sounds, rhythm, and intonation of Mandarin. Increased exposure to and active practice with the language will help you develop skills more quickly.

9. Spend time on task
Use the spare time you have each week to work on your language skills. This means not only attending and paying attention in lesson. If possible, try conversing with other learners, Chinese friends, colleagues in Mandarin on some topic. Or work on your written homework. Or study the weekly vocabulary. Attempt trying some supplemental activities, work on the week's written homework, or explore some cultural sites. Make the most of the time you have to maximize your learning.

10. Communicate with your instructor
Take responsibility for your learning. Communicate with your instructor any problems that may be interfering with your learning or any specific difficulties that you are having with the material. Seek help immediately when you need it. You might be surprised how easily such difficulties can be resolved.