How can I improve My English

I had many problems in English last year. I used to be shy and was afraid of speaking English in the class. Because I thought my classmates would laugh at me. And I couldn’t understand the teacher in English class. So I almost gave myself up. But my English teacher was very patient. She told two ways to learn English. First, I should often practice English with friends and don’t mind making mistakes. Then, I have to practice my listening by listening to the tapes, and take more notes in the class. The teacher’s suggestions were every nice. Now, I’m interested in English and my English is much better than before.