How to make English Language Training a success for your busy team?
Sharmila Gautama, Founder & CEO of EnglishCoach Services
We are often approached by our clients to deliver Business English programmes to help teams speak and write better. Sometimes, the management’s expectations are a tad unrealistic in terms of immediate improvement. Unlike other skills, language learning is difficult and is a long haul. However, paying attention to the learning design and individual learner needs can help deliver effective solutions.
Let’s approach this in more detail to understand what learning and development professionals can do to make language training a success.
- Check the proficiency level of the learners before providing a learning solution
When we put learners in very easy or very challenging programmes, they tend to drop out midway. Design an assessment that best suits your teams before deciding on the programme design and content. - Blended programs work best for language learning
Help learners stay engaged with different tools and methodologies so that they have more learning options. Some learn through collaboration and others prefer self-study. Based on the company budget, you can choose tools that will keep learners in the programme. Blended, online, short workshops, coaching, and small-bite sessions are quick and easy to implement. - Utilise engaging and interactive learning methodologies
Check learning and application by conducting role plays, presentations, quizzes and simulation exercises. The end of a programme assessment feels like a trial for some learners. Quick check-ins on learning improvement are easier to manage in hectic schedules. - Keep learning sessions short
Most often, learning takes a back seat in a busy day of meetings and tasks. So, approach learning sessions as micro-learning opportunities that are continuous and frequent. A one-day training programme for language needs will show little to no improvement. - Check-in with your learners
Keep in touch with the learners and find out their challenges in the learning journey. Learning a language can be challenging and learners need to be continually motivated. Introduce gaming strategies to make learning fun.
