How to choose the best English learning method for you

Apps, blended learning, face-to-face teaching, and immersive courses. Which is the best option for you? Everybody has different learning styles. Some people learn better through role play, written exercises, or gamification. Choosing the best learning method will depend on your level, how much time you have available, your goals, and your budget. Here are 6 things to consider when deciding which learning method is best for you. 

1. Build a good foundation with an app 

Apps are an inexpensive option for beginners who need to learn basic vocabulary and grammar. Most apps often build gamification into their programmes, making the learning process more fun, and you can use them whenever you have a little free time. Intermediate and advanced learners may also find apps useful for refreshing their knowledge and practising skills in their own time. 

2. Feedback will help you progress faster 

When you learn English using a system that incorporates a human teacher, for example with blended learning or in virtual groups, you get feedback on all the different aspects of your communication, not just on grammar and vocabulary, but also on intonation, expression and local idioms.   

4. Build your confidence with support from other learners 

Learning in small groups, whether in virtual groups or face to face, will give you essential support from other learners and the opportunity to practise your skills with people of a similar level, learn from the mistakes of others, and see how well you are understood by other people. Virtual group courses allow you to benefit from human-led teaching without the need to travel.  

5. Improve your specialist knowledge 

You may need specific help in a technical or professional area which is not covered by an app. Many of our courses are specially designed to develop your language skills in specific industries or roles. Many of our trainers have professional experience outside teaching which helps them to tailor the learning content to reflect real-life scenarios. 

6. Face to face immersive courses  

Immersive courses, where you study full time in London, allow you to focus entirely on English in and out of the classroom so you can put your new skills into action in a wide range of situations, and hear a range of regional accents. By using your new skills all day you can expect to make progress very quickly. You can also experience the British way of living for yourself and make new friends! 

Glossary

Budget: amount of money you can spend

Inexpensive: not costing much, cheap

Gamification: adding game elements to a non-game context

This blog has been written at level B2. Practise your reading and listening by reading the blogs below.

More English tips and skills

• English for Human Resources professionals (level C1)
• Working online: what are the implications for language and communication? (level C2)
• How to write effective business and work emails in English (Level B2)
• 10 differences between formal and informal language (level C2)
• 10 books that will take you around London (level C2)
• Top 10 TV series to learn English (level B2)
• Business English for job applications: writing your CV and cover letter (Level C2)

Improve your confidence in spoken English with our General English course or Individual English training in our centre in London or online.

Recommended courses:

• London School Online
• Business and Professional English - Virtual Groups
• English for Work & Careers
• General English - Virtual Groups
• English for University - Virtual Groups
• IELTS Exam Preparation - Virtual Groups
• Legal English 20-30 - Virtual Groups
• Legal English 30+ Commercial Lawyers - Virtual Groups

About The London School of English

The London School of English has over 100 years of history teaching English and communication skills to adult learners. It is the joint #1 English language school in the UK according to the British Council inspections, the highest rated English language school in the world on Trustpilot, and the best value for money school according The English Language Gazette. 

Our practical, individualised approach enables our clients to learn effectively and make rapid progress. Courses include General English, Individual English training, Legal English, Business and Professional English, IELTS preparation and Academic English. We also offer bespoke business solutions for staff training and assessment. 

You can learn English with our expert trainers in our London centre at 15 Holland Park Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, or you can choose to study English online in groups or in individual classes. Contact us online or via phone +44 (0) 207 605 4142.