How to pick a good English Language School?
Let’s be honest. Most English Language schools around the world are ineffective. There are tons of good English Language training institutes but there are equally a large number of ineffective places. Most English schools still employ outdated language teaching methods such as memorization and tutorials. If you are a ESL student trying to improve English speaking, picking the right English training center is critical, as it is a huge investment both in terms of money and time spent. We strongly suggest all students to ask for a trial lesson before buying a full package from any English course. If you see any of the below signs, run as fast as you can.
The English teacher speaks in the native language
Every minute of an English lesson should be spent learning and absorbing English. Speaking English is 90% muscle memory – If your English teacher is speaking in class in your native language, you are wasting valuable time that you can use to improve English. A good English school makes sure English is the only language used in the classroom, not just by the tutor but also in interactions between the students.
You are given a diploma in Spoken English!
This one is funny but is totally true! There are tons of English schools around the world that still handout diplomas in Spoken English (or certificates of Oral English).
Fact: If you are in a English Language school (online or offline) that gives you a diploma for completion, you are probably in the wrong place. Don’t fall for the diploma trap. You will end up with another piece of paper and a useless certificate but not the ability to speak English fluently.
The teacher does not give students a chance to speak in English
You can’t learn English speaking like History or Biology. Spoken English is not something you can master by just learning grammar rules and studying pronunciation charts. You can only learn to speak by speaking. In other words, Oral English is something that you need to learn and improve by doing.
If you are studying in an school where the teacher talks continuously and rarely gives the students chances to practice speaking, you are wasting both your time and money!
The teacher asks you to memorize grammar rules
Knowing basic grammar rules is important if you are a beginner of the English language. But once you pass the beginner level and move to an intermediate level of proficiency, grammar should be given a back seat and you should focus on fluency more. English teachers that focus too much on grammar fail in a couple of ways. 1.) They make students afraid of making mistakes and as a result destroys the student’s confidence. 2.) They never give students enough opportunities to practice speaking, which is the most important thing to develop fluency.
If your English speaking school is spending a lot of time on grammar, chances are you will not improve fast.
You are given tutorials with role plays
You can’t learn to speak English for specific life situations. For example, you can just memorize English conversations you are gong to have with your doctor or barber. This is impractical and also quite silly! You can’t learn scripts to cover different life situations.
Good speaking English programs will teach you to speak English fluently, naturally and effortlessly. They will help you speak English without thinking too much.
Interested in trying our Spoken English lessons? Take a trial lesson
