At the IATEFL Conference (June 2021), English training experts presented the flipped learning approach and the use of technology in the Wall Street English method within today’s educational context.
How Language Training Evolved During Covid
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the face of language training. While online language learning pre-Covid was on the rise, during the pandemic many face-to-face classes have had to move online. According to the SensorTower in the “State of Education Apps 2020” Report, the number of people using educational apps grew exponentially (+128%) in the first half of 2020.
Although in-center learning approach will continue to be predominant versus online in post-Covid times, many language learning schools are now using a hybrid approach.
When language learners are looking for a course, whether it’s 100% online, in the center, or a combination of both, they want to know that their time and money are being well spent. With the myriad of options for language training available in the market, how do you make sure that the learning method really works? How can you be sure that the technology used is the right one and well prepared for today’s and future needs?
A Method Based on Flipped Learning
While language learning apps can be useful for some aspects of language learning, to really make progress learners need to combine online self-study with classes with a teacher. But how can this be done effectively?
The concept of ‘flipped learning’ has been around for several decades. In fact, Wall Street English was one of the pioneers in flipped language learning as it created its blended learning method based on the flipped classroom concept in 1972 – at the time, using books and cassettes!
Flipped learning turns traditional learning on its head. Rather than learning a new language in class with a teacher and practicing it after class, language learners complete self-study online activities and then come to class to practice what they have learned with a teacher.
With the recent focus on online learning, more and more language training providers are taking an interest on the flipped learning concept. Studies such as Springerlink published in February 2021 have shown that flipped learning can be effective, as students can follow the course at their own pace and feel more in control of what they are learning.
Read more about how Wall Street English method applies the flipped learning model, contributing to its efficacy.
Ongoing Investments in EdTech
Within today’s context, the role of technology in education has never been so crucial, especially when it comes to learning a language.
Wall Street English has dedicated Product and Technology teams based in Barcelona, Spain and Chennai, India. All 75 people work in close collaboration to continuously optimize the digital experience and improve learning outcomes for the final customers.
The combination of an effective learning method and strong EdTech solutions presents a clear differentiator to many other market players – offering at the same time a product and service which very much satisfy the needs of modern consumers.
The Wall Street English method featured at the IATEFL International Conference
On the 19-20th of June 2021, Wall Street English Method and Product experts presented at the IATEFL conference, one of the best-recognised events in the English language training market.
- Simon Buckland, expert in English training, described how integrating flipped learning into system design delivers more efficient use of classroom time, more learner-centred instruction and comprehensive student performance data. Key success factors and pitfalls were outlined, based on real-world experience and data from the Wall Street English global network.
- Dr Bindi Clements, Edtech specialist and Instructional Design and Efficacy Manager at Wall Street English, presented a research study on the effectiveness of ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition software) for providing pronunciation practice. This research uses a large-scale study and data from Wall Street English learners using ASR as part of their course. (Read about results and implication of this research here).
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