The 5 best methodologies for learning English

Learning English is becoming increasingly important in today’s context, especially in the business world. Therefore, finding the ideal methodology with which to learn English will help you to optimize your efforts and, above all, to master beforehand those aspects of English that are most relevant to you.

We are in the midst of internationalization, and this means that, in one way or another, we will interact with foreigners who do not understand our language. English is, without a doubt, the most spoken language in the world, a language that can be learned in almost any country.

In this article, we talk about the best methodologies to learn English and how to choose the most appropriate one based on your needs.

Best methodologies to learn English

1. Direct method

The direct method is the most used method in the world to learn any language. This is because, unknowingly, it is the method we have all used to learn our mother tongue, but this does not mean that it cannot be used to learn an alternative language.

This method is based on oral communication, speaking the language with another person who knows it and, above all, listening to how they speak. Essentially, it works on a trial-and-error basis, so the person we speak to must know the language perfectly. After all, he or she will be a major influence on the way we speak English. Therefore, choosing the right teacher for your training using the direct method is the most fundamental step.

2. Pimsler’s method

Pimsler’s method and the audio-lingual model are very similar to each other. Although they have some differences in practice, the idea is the same: to learn the language by repeating dialogues. Even so, we prefer to speak of the Pimsler method, since it is an evolution of the audio-lingual methodology.

The objective of this method is that the student learns to speak the language before learning to write it or its grammatical rules. To do this, students listen to audios in English about different topics. As they do so, they repeat certain phrases aloud and, when the audio is finished, they listen to a different, more complex version. Finally, they listen to the same dialogue in their native language to improve their comprehension.

This method is repeated, adding more and more difficulty to the texts. Once they have mastered listening and speaking, they proceed with grammar rules and writing. It is therefore an ideal method for anyone seeking to improve their listening comprehension.

3. Rosetta Stone Methodology

This method uses the principles of the direct method, but takes it a step further. The method developed by Rosetta Stone seeks to get the student accustomed to an English environment with the goal of understanding and speaking the language perfectly.

Like the direct method, it is based on the repetition of different phrases and expressions to get used to it. But, unlike the direct method, this one is not based on translation, but rather on the students establishing associations between English words and different situations. This facilitates the learning of certain languages that are very different from the native language, where literal translations can be complicated.

4. Dragunkin Technique

This method is, without a doubt, one of the most developed methods for learning English, a technique that gives evident results in a very short time of study. This is due to the fact that this method emerged through language research. Therefore, at present, it can only be applied to learning English.

During his research, Dragunkin analyzed the different words in the language and classified them into different groups based on characteristics they had in common. He then identified connections between these different groups. By doing this, he managed to simplify the vocabulary of English, which makes it easier to learn. Therefore, it is a method that yields results in only 32 sessions. Undoubtedly, an ideal methodology to master English in a short time.

5. Grammar Method

This is a classic methodology, very conventional, but no less effective. Applying the grammar method means studying the theory of a language to learn its written rules. Therefore, it is an ideal method for those who need to improve the writing of English texts, but it is not the most effective for those who need to learn to speak the language.

This is why it is not one of the methods commonly used by our teachers, but it can be implemented if the company needs it. After all, many companies only need to improve the writing skills of certain employee profiles.

How to choose the most appropriate methodology for business English

With all these methodologies for learning English, how do you choose the most appropriate one for your company? The answer is clear: identify your specific needs and choose the method that best suits them.

If, for example, you need to improve the oral expression of a group of employees, the Pimsler method would be ideal. However, if time is a key factor for you, perhaps the Dragunkin technique will be more appropriate.

Nevertheless, we understand that choosing the right methodology for learning English for business can be complex when you don’t have well-defined objectives, which is quite often the case. In the same way, several methodologies work for the same objectives.

Fortunately, at Classgap for Enterprise we have been implementing language classes for companies for years. This is why we know these methods to perfection and, in addition, we have a large number of teachers who master them. Not only this, but they can also offer customized classes according to your needs, business sector…

That is why, if you have any doubts when choosing the best English course for your company, do not hesitate to contact us without obligation! We will be happy to listen to your case and help you make the best decision.