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PRIOR TO THE COURSE

We normally carry out a detailed needs analysis for all delegates to determine their needs, wants, history of language learning, preferred learning styles and current language use. We would then test the language proficiency of delegates who were not complete beginners and any others whose position is unclear.

This initial information allows us to suggest the best way to group employees. Once we have agreed the days and times for language training to commence, the best language trainers we have available are selected to conduct the face-to-face components of the course. Lingualearn trainers are well qualified and experienced in in-company work. Together, we design language courses to meet your needs as closely as possible. Then, we generally order a good selection of modern learning materials to allow for a variety of different learning styles. Each language course is tailor-made to the needs of the participating company and delegates, using an appropriate blend of study, self-study and distance learning.

THE FIRST FEW WEEKS

There is often some initial tension in any new group, particularly if they have not had any recent language training. This is understandable whenever a new group of people meet each other and start working together. There may also be some embarassment when making mistakes in front of other colleagues or when role-playing. Very occasionally, delegates experience mild culture shock and feel uneasy about hearing a foreign language and not being able to understand what is going on, or they may remember previous unsuccessful language learning experiences, possibly at school, and start to develop negative attitudes.

AFTER THE SETTLING-IN PERIOD

Normally, these initial tensions and teething problems disappear quickly and the new groups start to work smoothly and progress steadily. Our trainers are experienced in helping new groups to develop excellent group dynamics and will provide exercises to assist with this process. Very soon our course is running smoothly and the delegates are experiencing a range of possible benefits:

• enjoyable and interesting face-to-face sessions
• new friends and closer relationships with colleagues from your group
• new opportunities as delegates start to function in the target language
• new horizons as foreign travel becomes more attractive
• satisfaction at mastering a new skill
• better rapport with foreign contacts
• improved capacity at multi-tasking

For those who attend regularly and complete their homework / self-study exercises, the rewards of success are considerable. It is not always easy to concentrate at the end of a hard day, but those who persist and participate in class, and take responsibility for their own learning, will inevitably succeed in achieving proficiency in a foreign language.

GREAT FEEDBACK

Over the past five years, nearly all of the feedback we've had on Lingualearn language courses has been very positive. Here are some typical examples:

"It was really good ...we did some revision about verbs that was very useful. There was a good atmosphere."

"It went well. I understood almost everything. There were only 3 in our group so I felt at ease ..it's a good number. Your trainer adapted well to our needs. It was enjoyable...very pleasant."

"I really enjoyed it. The pace was quite easy .. it was all very basic. The trainer is nice and easy to talk to; she spoke a lot of Italian, but it was OK. Everybody was joining in and enthusiastic."

"It's great ...really good. Everything is fine. The group is nice and small. The pace is OK. The materials are great. I can't really fault it."

"It's going well. I've nothing particular to say. We're learning grammar and vocabulary. I'm making good progress. I've no time for the CDs right now, but will listen to them later on. It's very helpful to improve my language ability. The atmosphere in class is pretty good...there's lots of participation.. there's a good feeling in the group."

"It's just right. It's going very well. I'm really enjoying it. I'm happy with my progress in class, but I could do more at home. The pace is OK. The trainer stops to explain things ..it's absolutely fine."

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

For those who have the highest levels of motivation, and who go on to achieve near-native fluency, the cultural and financial rewards can be even greater. It can be tremendously satisfying to read great literature in the target language, to appreciate the humour and inferences of native speakers, to gain insights into completely different ways of thinking, to listen and undertand the lyrics of great musicians, or to negotiate a complex agreement.

Dr M I Freeman