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Why are DynEd’s graphics so simple?
In language learning, the most important input comes through your ears, not your eyes. Visual input is supplemental to the auditory input your brain is primarily using to try to match patterns with known meaning. DynEd uses simple, iconic graphics because they convey meaning more quickly using less cognitive load than other, more distracting types of images, such as photos, animations, or video, allowing more focus on the sound.
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How can I make practicing less boring?
Practice is the key to building skill – any skill – including language. Practice can sometimes seem repetitive or boring, so keeping study sessions relatively short can help. Generally, an intensive hour is more than enough, and even as little as 15 minutes each day can be very beneficial. Variety is also a key; change your study focus frequently.
Most DynEd lessons take 5 minutes or less. After doing a lesson once in study session, it is best to move on to studying something else rather than re-doing the same lesson immediately, or even the same kind of lesson. If you are studying several courses together in your program, it’s also good to change courses altogether.
Another way to change focus and minimize boredom is to spend time in each study session reviewing earlier lessons. This helps consolidate what you have learned and is generally more relaxing than new material. Reviewing can serve as a refreshing mid-study-session “break” before returning to the core lessons you are primarily working on.
It’s also important to change your focus each time you go through a Presentation Lesson, using the 5-Step Program:
Step 1: Gist ListeningStep 2: Detailed Listening
Step 3: Confirmation Listening/Checking
Step 4: Simultaneous Speaking
Step 5: Record, Listen, Compare
For additional details on how to do each of these steps, please download the DynEd—5 Self-Study Steps for Presentation Lessons from here.
DynEd introduces letter recognition and phonemic awareness early for children, but not at the expense of focusing on aural/oral fluency skills. As fluency grows, simple word reading, spelling, and sentence-building tasks are used in exercises to reinforce target vocabulary and grammar patterns.
As both younger and older learners progress, DynEd has an increasing emphasis on literacy skill development. Reading and writing tasks both within the courseware itself, and in accompanying worksheets, provide coordinated practice using language already studied orally. Extensive reading narratives and writing activities grow in complexity along with the student’s oral fluency level to include dictations, sentence and paragraph summary exercises, and short essays. Higher level learners have practice with identifying main ideas, recognizing transitional phrases, logical sequencing, and pronoun references common in multiple sentence discourse.
Finally, DynEd’s Reading for Success course provides a comprehensive introduction to both academic reading and writing in English. With units leveraging school subject areas like math, science, and social studies, RFS includes exercises focused on reading for main ideas and important details, skimming and scanning, understanding vocabulary in context, recognizing grammar and language chunks, increasing reading fluency, rapid word recognition and decoding, using context clues to meaning, oral reading and pronunciation, and crucial practice in understanding and using dictionary definitions.
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How many hours of DynEd study does it take to improve one “level?”
Improvement in language proficiency is dependent on many factors, including whether or not the learner is located in a native English speaking environment, frequency of study, quality and intensity of study, quality of classroom follow-up and teacher support, and the language level and background of the student, himself or herself (age, first language, academic experience, and familiarity with computers). For lower level students, a 1.0 improvement on DynEd’s Placement Test typically takes approximately 100 hours of DynEd study, 20% – 30% of which is with a teacher or coach. For higher level students, above 2.0 on DynEd’s scale, a 1.0 proficiency gain will likely take double this amount of time. Check DynEd’s “Academic Map” for more detail and a correlation to CEFR and other internationally recognized proficiency standards.
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Why does DynEd’s Placement Test stop at the 3.2 level?
DynEd’s Placement Test is based on the Foreign Service Institute scale which ranges from 0.0~5.0. This scale is used to gauge the general language proficiency of US government employees assigned to work overseas. Scores above 3.0 are considered to be at near native speaker level, with 5.0 being the level of a well-spoken, highly-educated, proficient native speaker. DynEd’s focus is to assist students in reaching a 3.0~3.2 proficiency level, which, when achieved, means they should no longer need the help of non-native speaker English courses, but be able to continue their study using realia and everyday native speaker materials.
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Why can’t I study DynEd in “the cloud?”
There are several reasons DynEd has chosen not to require students to be on-line to study. First, high-quality, reliable, affordable broadband Internet is still not accessible in many parts of the world. Requiring students to be tethered while studying can be frustrating and distracting in an increasingly mobile world. Second, when rich multimedia content resides locally as DynEd’s does – on a LAN, lap-top, tablet or smart phone – interactive responses are guaranteed to be fast and smooth, even with full-motion video and high-end speech recognition exercises. Not being worried about, slowed down, or interrupted by connectivity issues allows students to concentrate on studying English, not on technology.
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Why does DynEd cost more than other English teaching software?
DynEd does sometimes cost more than other English programs, but it’s also true that DynEd delivers a much better value for customers looking for consistent, proven, measurable results. DynEd students learn and retain more language in a shorter period of time than with any other English instructional system. For schools, companies and individuals serious about results, DynEd is the better choice.
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Does DynEd have targeted English for Specific Purposes (ESP) content?
Yes. DynEd offers a range of content which includes English for Academic Purposes, for the language of numbers, charts, graphs and logical relationships, for Business, for the Aviation sector, and for the Hospitality industry. Each of these targeted ESP (English for Specific Purposes) modules is designed to work in conjunction with the development of a general English foundation.
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Can DynEd teach me just the English I need for work?
Unfortunately, just memorizing job-related phrases or word lists doesn’t work well. Without the ability to clearly communicate common language ideas and functions, such as asking a question, clarifying, or making a request, specialized vocabulary and phrases are often hard to use effectively and are easily forgotten. DynEd concentrates first on building up the learner’s core foundation of English, developing the ability to fluently exchange information. Then onto this basic framework the learner can add an increasingly broad variety of vocabulary and linguistic concepts, including a focus on immediately useful work-related language. DynEd enables workers to use English at work with confidence – even when they have to “go off the script.”
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How is DynEd’s Aviation English course designed?
DynEd’s Aviation English (either for Pilots or Controllers) is organized using the same flight stages familiar to aviation professionals, beginning with tasks and events that occur during Pre-flight, and continuing through Departure, En route, Approach and Landing. DynEd presents the language associated with each stage and provides plenty of realistic listening and speaking practice in each context. Module 6 presents cases studies of actual aviation emergencies and accidents to spur conversation about safety and best practices.
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Does using a computer English program affect children’s eyesight?
Kids like to use computers and mobile devices. The pastel colors used in DynEd’s children’s courses have been carefully selected to be both attractive and easy on the eyes. By limiting computer study sessions to 20-40 minutes per day, eye strain should not be a problem even for very young children.
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Should parents be with their kids while they are studying?
It depends. A self-motivated child probably doesn’t need a parent’s company most of the time. Younger and/or less disciplined children, however, will benefit greatly if a parent monitors study or even studies with them. Moreover, kids often learn language faster than parents, so it may be the child who ends up teaching the parent. And as we all know, teaching is one of the best ways to learn!
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Teachers at language schools change frequently: How will this affect my child?
Teacher turnover is a problem in English training centers; kids seem to have new teachers all the time. DynEd helps ease this concern by providing a standardized study system using familiar, engaging characters with patient, native-speaker voices to create a consistent, friendly learning environment.
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How do I get to my English goal as quickly as possible?
The best way to learn a skill like English is to study often and in short periods of time. A successful study pattern example is to study twenty minutes twice one day, then thirty minutes the next day. You should work to accumulate 6,500 study points every week and meet with one of our coaches at least once every 2 weeks. If you meet these requirements, we are confident that you will pass your exit test and receive your English Certificate in the estimated amount of time for each level!
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What does CEFR mean?
The CEFR refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which is the most important global framework used to describe language ability. This standard is being used more and more often in secondary schools, universities, governments as well as private businesses around the world.
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How long does it take to finish a neo CEFR level?
If you study correctly, you should complete level A1 or A2 levels in 5 months or less, the B1 or B2 levels in 6 months or less, and the C1 level in 7 months or less.
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How do coaches provide individual coaching that is unique to me?
DynEd coaches are committed to seeing you achieve your goals and are trained to know exactly what you are studying and your course progress. Their goal is to encourage and enrich your English learning experience. Coaches also track your progress over time, so if you change coaches, your new coach will continue from where your last coach left off.
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What do the stars under a coach’s name mean?
After each session learners are asked to rate their coaching experience on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. neo LIVE displays the average rating under the coaches’ names to assist you in choosing the coach that is right for you.
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What is the difference between a bilingual and a native speaker coach?
All our coaches have to pass English tests and complete a rigorous training program. Our bilingual coaches speak and write English fluently, although their native language is not English. Native speaker coaches’ first language is English.
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How do I use my coaching tokens?
Coaching sessions have different token values. To reserve a session, choose the coach that is most appropriate for you. For some sessions you may want a bilingual coach for 2 tokens; at other times you may prefer a native coach for 4 tokens.
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What happens if I arrive late to my scheduled coaching session?
You can join your session at any time during the session’s 25 minutes; your coach will be waiting for you.
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Can I reschedule a coaching session?
Yes, you can reschedule a coaching session up to one day before the date of the session. Go into your LIVE coaching interface and look for the ‘Reschedule’ option on the dashboard.
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When are tokens refunded?
If your coach arrives at your scheduled session more than 5 minutes late, neo refunds your session’s tokens.
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When are tokens not refunded?
Tokens are not refunded when you arrive late or if you don’t attend a scheduled coaching session. Tokens are also not refunded if the connection between you and your coach fails. Our coaches work from centers with high-quality, redundant broadband connectivity, so we don’t expect Internet failures from the coach. We suggest you log on from a location that has a good Internet connection for all of your coaching sessions.
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I heard neo has a results-based guarantee. How does that work?
We are confident that our solutions will provide you with the expected results, so much so, that if you study according to our guidelines, we guarantee that you will reach your English goal in the allotted time for each level. To keep your guarantee, you must earn 6,500 study points per week and meet with a coach at least once every 2 weeks. If you meet these criteria, but do not pass your exit exam, you can continue to study for free until you pass your exit test. As part of your guarantee, we will also give you 4 free coaching tokens to prepare to retake the exit test.
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What if I am unable to study for a month or two, due to illness or personal reasons?
If you are unable to study every week for five months, for example, you may not qualify for neo’s guarantee, but we will never turn off your access to the neo app or charge you more money. You can use your unused tokens even after the allotted time for each level has elapsed. Our goal is for you to pass your exit exam whenever you are ready.
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How often can I take neo’s exit test?
Most people pass the exit test the first time. However, if you are having difficulty, you can take a CEFR level’s exit test up to three times. Once you pass the exam, you will have fulfilled the level’s requirements.
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How do I receive my CEFR-aligned English Certificate?
After passing a level’s exit test, neo will automatically generate your English certificate. It will have your name, the photo that was taken when you started the program, your CEFR level, the date the level was earned and a unique ID number that will confirm that you are the certificate holder. This ID number can be verified at www.dyned.com/certverify. -
How does neo use AI to help me learn faster and retain what I learn longer?
neo’s advanced artificial intelligence technology is constantly analyzing your study efforts. It uses this information to make decisions regarding the course of your study within the neo Study App. It also helps you improve your pronunciation through adaptive Speech Recognition exercises, awards you points and guides you and your coach through every step of your journey.
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How can I access tech support?
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How does DynEd’s “blended approach” work?
DynEd’s instructional system combines one-on-one computer-based self-study with regular meetings with a DynEd-trained teacher or coach. These classroom or distance-based coaching sessions are an essential component in DynEd’s success. No matter how good a technology-assisted program is, only a teacher or coach can personalize or localize lesson content for his or her individual classes or students, and then extend that lesson beyond just the language from the program. This “blending” of computer time with teacher time uses the strengths of both to maximize results.
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How does DynEd ensure students are studying at the right level?
In language learning, one size does not fit all. DynEd students begin by taking a Placement Test, a computer-adaptive instrument that self-adjusts for each individual. DynEd’s Path Manager then uses the student’s Placement Test score to automatically open courseware units at the right level of difficulty, and monitors progress to continually unlock new material when the program judges the student is ready to move forward. A Recommended Study Time slider allows teachers to intervene manually when appropriate to adjust Path Manager settings to accommodate particular student or class needs.
Additionally, in some courses DynEd’s patented Shuffler mechanism automatically varies the depth, difficulty and variety of language being presented within a lesson depending on each student’s accuracy in answering questions or doing exercises. Learning material that is too difficult may become frustrating, and material that is too easy quickly becomes boring; the Shuffler keeps each individual working at their optimal learning level.
Working together, these software devices help ensure that each learner is studying at his/her own pace and is constantly challenged with new language material targeted at exactly the right level.
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Why is frequency of study so important?
Language is a skill. Learning English is similar to learning to play a musical instrument, or drive a car, or play a sport like football. Developing any skill takes time and lots of effective practice. To become really good at it, the skill must become automatic. This means it can be done by the unconscious mind, i.e., without thinking. For language skill, this is called fluency.
Getting to the point of fluency in English requires focused practice over an extended period of time. It is difficult, however, to maintain good concentration if study sessions are too long. DynEd recommends that students study frequently, but in relatively short sessions of less than one hour at a time.
Learning a new skill involves changes in the brain — the growing and strengthening of new synapses and nerve connections. These are organic structures that take time to develop. Just like building muscles in the gym, there is a limit to what can be done in a day. Muscles need periods of rest to re-build after being worked hard. Brains also need periods away from studying so that there is enough time for the newly reinforced connections to grow. It is much more effective, therefore, to study in shorter sessions distributed throughout the week (3-5 times per week) than in long, intensive sessions on just one or two days. When study is distributed, learning English actually takes less total time, and much less is forgotten.
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Can DynEd be used along with non-DynEd textbooks?
It’s common to use DynEd alongside other teaching materials, such as course books, extensive reading series, or test prep materials. Good teachers will take advantage of a variety of materials to engage and re-focus students frequently. To optimize student progress, however, we recommend that DynEd serve as the program core, if possible. It’s also critical to follow the basic pedagogic principles of DynEd’s blended learning approach: that students study DynEd frequently (3+ times per week), and that teachers devote class time each week to personalizing and extending the language students are studying in the DynEd courseware. Using DynEd only as an occasional self-access practice supplement without classroom support is much less effective and not recommended.
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If DynEd’s focus is on listening/speaking, how does it handle reading/writing?
The natural way to learn language is first through listening and then struggling to speak, just as a baby does. When we finally learn to read and write, either at home or at school, we are already a native speaker of our first language. The ability to speak a language greatly facilitates development of reading and writing skills.
DynEd introduces literacy skills after a foundation in aural/oral skills is well established, and we reinforce reading and writing with practice exercises through the remainder of a student’s learning path. Check out our new Reading for Success.