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We believe that motivation is the key to effective language learning. People are
motivated by a learning atmosphere that is supportive but challenging, by
content that is interesting and relevant to their needs, and by hands-on tasks
which involve them actively using
the language in a realistic context.
We are also convinced that people learn
best when things make sense to them; for example, a new expression is more
likely to be remembered when learnt in a relevant context as it needs "fertile
ground" to grow roots and connect to existing concepts. This is why we aim to
teach in an integrated way, an
approach originally developed as part of our EU training programme for public
administration.
For instance, we input a technical term
like directive while discussing the
characteristics of various legal instruments in the EU (i.e. content). We combine this with work on
how you can use the word, e.g. to say that directives
are to be implemented by the member
states (i.e. language). To round
this off, we practise using this and other terminology in relevant contexts,
e.g. in a simulated meeting of a Council Working Group (i.e. communication).
Finally, we believe
strongly that people should have control
over their own learning process. Learning goals are jointly defined by clients/learners
and trainers, and then we, the trainers, provide the means of reaching those
goals. We also see it as our job to empower learners to develop efficient learning
strategies to enable further development beyond the limits of the course or
seminar itself. This is one of the reasons for our interest in e-learning as a highly efficient tool
for promoting learner independence.
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