The days of a one-length-suits-all technique to English language teaching (ELT) delivery in North America are over, however stakeholders expect advantageous boom for 2024.
Leaders from the ELT sector across North America got here together at the PIE Live North America conference to talk about the future of the world, sharing learner developments and possibilities for increase and healing.
Adapting to Changing Learner Needs
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the need for ELT providers to adapt to the changing needs of learners. This means offering a wider variety of program options, including shorter courses, English plus courses, and online and hybrid learning options.
“The one size fits all of language learning is gone. You can’t simply teach general English anymore. that’s not ready to remove it.”
Parnes emphasized the demise of the generic approach to language learning, with students seeking unique content tailored to their age and interests. EC’s 30+ program serves as an example, catering to older students with specific expectations. The trend extends to students seeking a comprehensive service, encompassing housing, activities, and tourism, aligning with individual goals, be it further study or employment in their home countries.
ELT in North America : The Rise of Online Learning
The pandemic increased the adoption of on-line getting to know, and this trend is expected to maintain in the submit-pandemic generation. Online gaining knowledge of gives a number of blessings for freshmen, together with flexibility, affordability, and accessibility.
Sara Davila, ESL Research and Assessment Policy Analyst at IELTS USA, anticipated the permanence of the shift to online learning. The call for for on-line and hybrid options necessitates a parallel evolution in evaluation methodologies. Students seek the equal stage of quality and outcomes in on-line exams, signaling a lasting demand for flexibility in education delivery.
ELT vendors also want to cognizance on customized gaining knowledge of, tailoring their practise to the character needs and desires of each learner. This way taking into consideration the learner’s age, mastering style, and motivation.
Technology is gambling an increasingly more critical role in ELT, and vendors want so as to effectively integrate technology into their applications. This consists of the use of generation to offer customized comments, examine pupil development, and create enticing learning reviews.
Despite the demanding situations of the past few years, stakeholders are constructive about the destiny of ELT in North America. They predict high quality growth for 2024, pushed by the growing demand for English language skills and the adoption of recent and progressive strategies to ELT delivery.
Carolyn Bercu, Director of Strategic Pathway Partnerships at ILAC Canada, highlighted a giant shift in the common pupil age, growing by way of ten years from pre-pandemic to publish-pandemic. The unexpected pivot to online learning enabled get entry to to a brand new market, attracting college students with long-time period desires of higher education and eventual immigration to Canada. Online getting to know, as soon as an unforeseen norm, is now a gateway for college kids to balance paintings, circle of relatives, and schooling.
Here are some specific examples of how ELT providers are adapting to the changing landscape:
- ILSC Education Group is offering a wider variety of program options, including shorter courses, English plus courses, and online and hybrid learning options.
- EC English Language Centres is tailoring its instruction to the individual needs and goals of each learner, taking into account the learner’s age, learning style, and motivation.
- IELTS USA is offering a variety of online and hybrid assessment options to meet the needs of learners.
These are just a few examples of how ELT providers are adapting to the changing landscape. By being flexible, innovative, and focused on the needs of learners, ELT providers can continue to thrive in North America.
In addition to the trends discussed above, here are some other factors that are shaping the future of ELT in North America:
- The increasing demand for English language skills from immigrants and refugees
- The growing popularity of English as a language of business
- The rise of English medium instruction (EMI) in schools and universities
These factors are creating a strong demand for ELT in North America, and providers that can adapt to the changing needs of learners will be well-positioned for success.
