Language courses tailored to your specific needs and wants that optimise learning by taking into consideration content as well as method of delivery: can this really exist?

Indeed it can! You need look no further than individual differentiated training to find the answers you seek.

Differentiated training takes into account learners’ background knowledge, readiness, first language, preferences in learning, and interests, and reacts responsively. The result is that each learner’s growth is maximized: individual success is achieved because each learner is met where he or she is, and each receives personalised assistance in the learning process.

How does this transpire concretely? In the next couple of entries we’ll look at this type of training from several points of view: content, pedagogical tools, and learning environment.

First, let’s talk about content. By now we are all aware of the need of course content tailored to specific needs and wants (be they for professional or personal development).

Imagine that you are a Human Resources Manager: do you really need to know how to talk about the stock market? It could be interesting, sure. But, if your goal is to be able to recruit, learning and practicing vocabulary pertinent to this specific field would be much more beneficial, wouldn’t they? So, you are signed up for a few hours training on Recruiting and Interviewing. Your trainer introduces you to the vocabulary you need, and tailors activities that has you put what you learned into practice, in a general context as well as in a context that is specific to your needs.

I’ll give you an example. Not too long ago, I was teaching Recruiting and Conducting job interviews, and the learner had acquired an adequate vocabulary in the field. We had practiced the vocabulary by doing various exercises, listening activities, and role plays. So far, so good. Some days later my learner tells me the most immediate need is to recruit plumbers: indeed a few interviews with plumbers were coming up. I immediately reacted to these needs and created some activities that would help the learner adapt the language learnt to this particular context.

We discussed how the interview would be similar to or different from a “standard” job interview, and did some role-plays to reflect this. You will grant me that most manuals whose intent is to teach “Business English” do not quite provide for such specific needs; at best you’ll find a chapter on “English for Human Resources”.

Now, let’s push this a bit further: because in addition to your job specific need you may want to also work on general English (or whatever subject you are learning of course J), perfect your writing skills, prepare an exam, improve phone skills, present your company and your projects, etc. only lessons on one professional topic would no longer be sufficient.

Differentiated training allows you to make your goals and interests clear, and we design the course you want. So in addition to getting 6 hours of training in Human Resources - Recruiting and Interviewing, you will benefit from some hours of Progression to improve your general vocabulary and grammar, a few hours of “Phone Communication” or “Writing Correspondence”, etc.