LiveEnglish Uses DynEd's Language Learning Solutions to Help Construction Company Implement New English-Language Training System

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Innovation in English-Language Training
BRISA: New Training Systems and New Technologies at the Service of Employees

This article appeared in the Magazine Formacao in November 2000.

In these times of increasing globalization, where mastering English has become an essential, critical factor, we witness the high interest shown by organizations to invest in the development of their human resources in this area.

There are several schools and methods available in the national and the international markets to deliver language training. Apart from this, investing in language training is not always synonymous with getting results. Organizations strive to get solutions capable of delivering both efficient and cost-effective results. That was the case for BRISA when it decided to adopt LiveEnglish as its strategic solution to deliver effective English-language training.

LiveEnglish is an adaptive, multimethod system of high flexibility and personalization that combines new technologies with high interaction between trainers and trainees.

Dr. Teresa Nobre, responsible for BRISA's training department, talked with LiveEnglish about their experience using LiveEnglish and the application of this training system to serve the needs of its organization's employees.

Q: What led BRISA to think about new solutions to deliver English-language training to its employees?

A: Based on the need to improve the linguistic competencies, specially in English, of some professionals that work in different geographical locations, have few opportunities to relocate, present high heterogeinity in terms of their English knowledge base, and in terms of the English knowledge they need to acquire, the organization reflected on how to solve this challenge best.

Q: Why did you choose an absolutely-innovative system?

A: On the one hand, we had a real need that had to be served, on the other hand, we knew that traditional methods, even if implemented internally at the organizatioin, had few chances for success. Even more so, the organization had already tried this solution and the results that we got were much lower than the expectations. We hardly got to achieve the minimum objectives.

An analysis of the market in terms of alternatives to traditional methods permitted us to learn about new methodologies, offered at that time by only two or three providers.

Starting from a global concept of the training format to implement, BRISA began contacting training providers, posing questions to them, and verifying their pedagogical materials in terms of content quality, ease-of-use and flexibility from the learner's standpoint, the proposed pedagogical methods, the quality of the training staff, and the training coordination and support offered by the training provider.

Q: How would you describe the LiveEnglish system?

A: In the first place, this is a system and, as such, it is composed of a group of elements that are interlinked and interdependent. All of them work together towards the achievement of a common goal.

This is an adaptive and flexible system that guarantees the necessary flexibility needed for organizational contingencies. Due to the close relationship created between the client company and the training provider, a high level of efficiency can be reached for HR training and the use of materials.

The development of linguistic competency in English is assured because the system is based on the innovative use of DynEd's multimedia, "Live Talks" (live classrooms), and regular tutoring.

Q: How did the learners and the different hierarchical and functional teams at BRISA adapt to this new training system and training technology?

A: The type of training needs assessment done at BRISA involves the participation of all areas of the company. In this way, the integration of such a training system is obligatory, although learners' voluntary participation generates higher receptivity and openness towards this type of learning support.

We went through interesting experiences were, thanks to being trained in English in this way, the participants were "forced" to work with a PC for the first time. This then served as a facilitator when the use of new IT systems was generalized within the company. The regular use of a PC and the ease-of-use of the multimedia courses made any "computer apprehensiveness" completely disappear.

Q; What were the practical results of LiveEnglish training at BRISA?

A: In order to achieve the effective learning of English (oriented towards the specific content areas of the learner's job), this method makes individualized learning possible, at the learner's pace, and according to the time schedule of each learner.

Team learning and team building generated a type of group dynamics that facilitated greater participation and greater contact among coworkers. This shielded very positive results for the organization that go much farther than the advantages of learning how to communicate in another language.

Q: What do you think are the most relevant points of the LiveEnglish method?

A: The aspect that distinguishes the LiveEnglish method the most, apart from its flexibility, innovation, logistics and pedagogical support, is that it makes English learning available to all.

The multimedia contents are easy to study and very interesting.

The needs and the objectives to achieve are defined from the start at the training class. The tutoring sessions give permanent stimulus to keep progressing and learning. In this constant improvement, motivation is essential and personalized support is the basis to maintain constant improvement.

The loss of "apprehensiveness to speak English" is another major point. In fact, we have verified that, apart from the difficulties presented by the lack of some English knowledge, and that learners really want to learn how to speak English, they are now not stopped in their communication because they don't know some vocabulary in English. Learners really learn how to communicate in English and not only how to speak!

About LiveEnglish

LiveEnglish is an effective, flexible, motivating, customized and cost-effective solution for the learning of the English language in corporations and in schools. LiveEnglish, based in Lisbon, Portugal, is a multimethod system for the learning of English as a foreign language. It employs several carefully-selected methods and strategies in order to improve learning at all levels, by generating environments capable of providing participants with a wide range of experiences that will facilitate the learning of English. The LiveEnglish concept integrates different synergistic components to boost the effect on the development of English language skills which, in turn, increase the motivation of the student. LiveEnglish uses DynEd courseware as a powerful and irreplaceable method to develop students'' English language skills from early stages to advanced levels.

Mr. Domingos Pesquita
Director
LIVE Center Saldanha
Praca Duque de Saldanha, n.1 - 3 C
1050-094
Lisboa, Portugal

Phone: 351-21-351-1600
Fax: 351-21-351-1609

For more information on DynEd Solutions, please contact us at info@dyned.com.