Assessing Language Learning Providers
Choosing a language learning provider is more than just ticking boxes and comparing prices. However, with numerous options available, the decision can often seem overwhelming.
The right choice can energise your team, enhance communication, and bridge cultural divides. Conversely, the wrong choice can lead to wasted time, money, and opportunities - leaving your team frustrated and disengaged.
This guide offers a clear and evidence-based approach to help you navigate this decision. Below, you will find a clear assessment framework to help you see past the glossy brochures and find a provider that doesn’t just look good on paper but actually develops your team’s ability to communicate and connect. You’ll learn about the eight factors that make a corporate language training programme effective and how to confidently choose a provider that brings out the best in your organization.
What Matters in Language Learning
Chatterbox was founded through an academic collaboration with language scholars at SOAS University of London. In order to compile this guide, we have returned to the academic literature on adult second language acquisition and identified the eight key areas you should consider when comparing language learning providers. Each area represents an essential component of an effective language learning programme and is supported by research-backed insights.
The 8 key areas to compare are:
At the end of this post, you will be able to download a free evidence-based rubric and tool that will allow you to easily score and compare providers.
You can use this tool to not only evaluate your existing language learning programme, but assess new providers you are considering.
CRITERIA 1: Delivery Model
Languages can be studied using various methods, from e-learning platforms to instructor-led sessions. However, for those focused on real outcomes rather than entertainment, blended learning is considered the gold standard.
What to Look For:
Robust Digital Content: Engaging self-paced modules that learners can access anytime, ensuring continual learning and repetition outside of scheduled classes.
Interactive Live Sessions: Engaging real-time interactions that go beyond traditional lectures to include active participation and real-time feedback.
Why It Matters:
Though they may be more affordable, language courses that rely solely on digital content often fall short, with studies showing more than 60% of learners drop out of e-learning after just two months. On the other hand, in-person classes are often more engaging but lack the flexibility and efficiency of self-paced online courses. Blended online learning combines the best of both worlds - flexible digital tools for ongoing practice and live sessions for personal engagement, leading to better learner retention and more impressive learning outcomes.
CRITERIA 2: Instructor Quality
Think of the best classes you’ve attended - chances are, they were led by instructors who were not just knowledgeable, but also engaging and responsive. In language learning, the quality of the instructor can make or break the experience. Demand for high-quality language instructors currently exceeds supply, so quality can vary from platform to platform.
What to Look For:
Training and Expertise: Instructors should be well-trained in the context of online learning.
Learner Engagement: They should excel in connecting with their learners, making each session interactive and responsive to individual needs.
Consistent Quality: A robust framework for managing and evaluating instructor performance is vital to ensure that all learners receive high-quality teaching.
Why It Matters:
Imagine trying to learn something new, all on your own, with just videos and articles for company. It can get pretty lonely, can’t it? This is where a wonderful instructor makes all the difference. The truth is, much of the language learning content that anyone needs is available freely online. However, mastering a new language is not just about access to information; it’s about staying motivated to keep learning, especially when it gets tough. The relationship between an instructor and learner can be the spark that keeps the flame of motivation alive. But here’s the catch: not all programmes maintain a high standard. Without a strong framework for hiring and training instructors, the quality can vary dramatically, leaving some learners with a fantastic mentor and others with a disappointing experience. Ensuring every instructor meets high standards means every student gets the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.
CRITERIA 3: Pedagogical Approach
The foundation of any good language programme is its educational philosophy - how it approaches teaching and assesses progress.
What to Look For:
Research-Backed Methods: The programme should be grounded in proven educational theories and practices.
Clear Structure: Look for clear, structured frameworks that are aligned with global standards, such as the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Updates and Relevance: Learning materials should be up-to-date and relevant to professional situations your team might actually face.
Why It Matters:
In the world of language learning, there are countless theories and models - CLiC, Task-Based Learning (TBL), and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), to name a few. Each one offers a different approach and focuses on varying aspects of language acquisition. Chatterbox, for instance, blends CLT and TBL to prepare learners for real-world interactions more effectively than traditional models. What’s crucial is understanding that these choices are deliberate and supported by research leading to positive learning outcomes. One thing not to compromise on, however, is alignment with a globally recognised standard like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This ensures that your learners can state their skills and improve based on a globally recognised system.
CRITERIA 4: Flexibility
Imagine trying to fit a fixed class schedule into everyone’s different workdays - it just doesn’t work. That’s why a language programme that can adjust to individual schedules and grow with your company is essential. It’s all about making learning accessible to everyone, no matter how busy they are.
What to Look For:
Scheduling Options: The programme should offer classes at various times to accommodate different time zones and work schedules.
Scalability: As your organisation grows, the programme should be able to expand to meet increasing needs without losing quality.
Why It Matters: Learning a language while managing work commitments is no small feat. There are times when work can get lighter or heavier, affecting one’s ability to stick to a rigid class schedule. According to Deloitte, to be scalable, any training programme must be not only embedded in the ‘flow of work’, but also into the ‘flow of life’. A language programme that adapts to personal schedules is crucial because inflexibility can lead to learners dropping out entirely. This not only wastes resources but also risks the viability of the entire language initiative over time.
CRITERIA 5: Measuring Progress
Just like in sports, you need to know your scores and areas for improvement to get better. Regular check-ins on progress help learners stay on track and see how far they’ve come, which is incredibly motivating.
What to Look For:
Regular Assessments: The programme should provide frequent assessments, ideally aligned with the CEFR standard, to track progress.
Actionable Feedback: Learners should have access to specific and constructive teacher feedback on a regular basis.
Visual Progress Indicators: Easy-to-understand dashboards that show learners’ progress are helpful for motivation and improvement.
Why It Matters: Language learning isn’t just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about integrating this knowledge effectively into practical use. In the learning process, feedback loops are vital to develop learners’ self-efficacy. They form part of a three-stage cycle - experience, reflection, and conceptualisation - that helps learners internalise what they’ve studied and apply it confidently. Programmes that fail to provide regular assessments aligned with a comprehensive standard, like the Common European Framework of Reference, or that lack actionable feedback from instructors, miss a crucial part of this cycle. Without these feedback loops, learners can’t gauge their progress accurately or understand how to improve, which can hinder their ability to move from theory to practice effectively.
CRITERIA 6: Cost-Effectiveness
A language programme should not only fit your budget but also show clear benefits. Whether it’s better team performance or smoother communication, you should know what you’re gaining from your investment.
What to Look For:
Proven Results: Choose programmes that demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and have a track record of moving learners to higher proficiency levels efficiently.
Alignment with Business Goals: Ensure the programme aligns with specific business needs and can show a direct impact on business effectiveness and communication.
Selectivity in Offering: Rather than providing a minimal baseline programme to everyone, consider more focused, intensive solutions for key personnel or teams who will benefit most. This targeted approach often yields a more tangible ROI than broader, less personalized training.
Why It Matters: It’s often tempting to cut corners with budget-friendly learning solutions, but true cost-effectiveness isn’t about finding the cheapest option. Your language strategy will affect every aspect of your business, from sales to talent management. High-quality language training can significantly reduce misunderstandings that lead to costly mistakes and can broaden business opportunities through improved team and client relationships. While it might seem economical to opt for a one-size-fits-all app or programme promising quick fixes at low prices, the reality is these solutions rarely deliver substantial business impact. The lack of support and personalised learning can extend the time it takes for learners to truly become fluent, if they ever do.
CRITERIA 7: Cultural Training
In a world that’s closer than ever, understanding and integrating with different cultures is key to global business success. Cultural intelligence, or CQ, is a measurable skill that enables employees to collaborate better with clients and colleagues from different backgrounds and can be nurtured intentionally in language courses.
What to Look For:
Cultural Training: Programmes should include components that enhance understanding of different cultures.
Global Outlook: Look for programmes that position learning within the socio-political contexts in which languages are spoken.
Why It Matters:
Reaching native-like fluency is a long journey, often taking a decade of dedicated effort. Most language learners will continuously navigate settings where cultural norms remain unfamiliar. Cultural intelligence (CQ) becomes essential in these contexts. It’s an advanced form of emotional intelligence that helps individuals understand and interact successfully in foreign cultural landscapes. Effective language programmes do more than teach grammar and vocabulary; they integrate cultural, political, and social insights relevant to the language. This not only builds linguistic skills but also develops cultural curiosity and understanding, equipping learners with the soft skills necessary to navigate different cultural settings effectively.
CRITERIA 8: Programme Management
The right support can make all the difference in the successful implementation and ongoing management of a language programme.
What to Look For:
Dedicated Support: A good programme offers ongoing support from a dedicated customer success team.
Proactive Management: The team should not just react to issues but actively work to ensure the programme meets your needs.
Why It Matters: Managing a language programme effectively can make all the difference. A well-executed language programme boosts everyone’s chances of success, perhaps more than anything else. Imagine increasing the number of students who complete their courses by up to 30% - that’s what stellar programme management can do. However not every organisation has the time or specific know-how to look after a language programme with the necessary dedication. It’s vital to think about what you’re really able to handle and ensure your provider is committed to covering the rest - from student selection to graduation ceremonies, and the communications support and nudges that are needed in between. It should all ideally be included within the tier you are purchasing.
Download The Assessment Tool
Make informed decisions about your language learning provider with our free detailed assessment framework. This downloadable tool allows you to score and compare providers across eight critical criteria, providing an objective basis for discussion and decision-making within your team. Whether you’re evaluating current services or considering new options, use our framework to gain clear insights into which provider best meets your organization’s needs.
Download now and take the first step towards enhancing your team’s language learning journey.
