How Did You Learn English?

To all the non-native English speakers out there, how did you learn English?

 

Here are some questions to help you think about your experience:

-If in school or a classroom setting, at what age did you start? How did you learn the language in class (exams, books, movies, practicing dialogues in front of the class)? Did you find it effective or did you feel it was lacking?

-If on your own, why did you personally decide to start learning English? What materials did you use (self-teach books, movies/music, websites like italki, etc.)? What obstacles did you face?

 

I ask because I'm starting to see a trend in the lack of effective school teaching of foreign languages (not just in English but also in American schools as well) and want to hear more about it from people. I'd love to hear your opinions/experiences about this.