Goal setting: A path to achieving team fluency

Samantha Ball
Office works stood in a cubicle and in a hallway talking

Reading time: 5 minutes

We know businesses that invest in skills development are more likely to retain top talent, and see many other benefits as well. Upskilling your team's English proficiency can have a transformative effect on the business, leading to new opportunities, growth, and a more engaged workforce. However, implementing a corporate language learning program can be challenging. Using traditional goal-setting frameworks can support you and your team on this journey. Here's how:

Goal setting: A path to achieving team fluency
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree app can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your corporate language training

Popular goal setting frameworks for businesses

There are several approaches one can take to help with this:

3X3X3 model

ensures that goals are set over manageable three-month periods, fostering a steady progression.

SMART goals

With their specificity, measurability, achievability, relevance, and time-bound nature, SMART goals provide a framework that aligns individual efforts with broader organizational objectives.

PACT goal framework

?the PACT goal framework, championed by the National Society of Leadership and Success, offers an alternative perspective.

Regardless of the chosen model, it is imperative to communicate it effectively across the team. Consistency in the implementation of goal-setting practices ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing ambiguity and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the language learning process.

Utilize digital tools and technology

Your employees have a lot on their plate, which means that any language training program should be designed to be easily accessible and engaging. Technology has significantly improved skill development in modern times (not just language learning), allowing organizations to really nurture their employees development.

There are numerous online language training apps and software available that provide dynamic and interactive approaches to help employees achieve their language goals. Choosing user-friendly platforms that cater to different learning styles can ensure broader adoption and engagement.

Mondly by app, for example, is a flexible language-learning solution designed to facilitate self-led learning within easily digestible modules. It can be a cornerstone for organizations looking to set and achieve learning goals. The adaptability of Mondly by app enables employees to progress at their own pace, providing a personalized learning experience that aligns with their individual language proficiency goals.

Monitor and evaluate your teams language skills often

When learning any language, the journey is just as important as the destination. Continuous monitoring and evaluation ensure that learning objectives are not static but adapt to the evolving needs of the individual and the organization. To fast-track your employees' English progress, use the Global Scale of English (GSE). The GSE allows you to monitor your team's developing English language skills on one simple, numerical scale, from entry-level to expert.

This multifaceted approach to measurement allows managers and employees alike to gain a comprehensive understanding of their English language proficiency, fostering a culture of improvement and development.

Another tool to add to your repertoire is Versant by app, a robust English assessment tool that is instrumental in understanding the current language skill levels of your employees. This information serves as a baseline for setting realistic yet challenging goals.

Celebrate your teams achievements

Recognition and celebration of achievements act as powerful motivators. If a goal is achieved but not acknowledged, the impact may diminish, and motivation can wane. Therefore, incorporating a culture of celebration within the organization is essential. This can take various forms, from verbal recognition in team meetings to tangible rewards such as certificates, performance-based bonuses, or even more competitive features like leaderboards (which Mondly by app uses).

It is important for organizations to record the achievements of their employees in language learning as it not only boosts morale but also provides a valuable source of feedback. By acknowledging and celebrating the successes of their employees, organizations reinforce the significance of learning a language and create a positive feedback loop that encourages employees to set new goals and continue progressing their language proficiency.

Growth and success in the workplace

As organizations become empowered by the integration of goal-setting into their language-learning initiatives, they are embarking on and expediting their journey of continuous growth and success. By integrating technology, continuous monitoring, and praise in your organization's goal setting, you can create a comprehensive approach to language learning. This approach enhances language skills and has a positive impact on the business as a whole.

The result is a workforce that is not only proficient in English but is also confident, collaborative, and highly productive. As we move through 2024, organizations that prioritize progress-based learning are poised to thrive in an environment where effective communication is the key to unlocking unparalleled success.

Find out more about creating a culture of learning English in the workplace and the transformative power of language learning for businesses in this article C Creating a culture of learning.

Explore more in our blog post 'Why your performance management strategy needs language learning'.

See our language workplace solutions here

More blogs from app

  • Expressing love around the world: Interesting facts and how to say "I love you" in different languages

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Love is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and languages. For those learning another language, understanding how to express love in various tongues can be both fascinating and useful. Whether you're planning to travel, connect with friends from different backgrounds, or simply expand your linguistic repertoire, knowing how to say "I love you" in different languages as well as the cultural context, can be a beautiful way to show appreciation and affection. Let's take a look at some of the many ways to express this timeless sentiment and some interesting facts.

    1. Cultural nuances:

    In many cultures, the way you express love can carry different weights and meanings. For example, in Japanese, "ۤƤ" (aishiteru) is a very strong expression of love, often reserved for serious relationships, whereas "ä" (daisuki) is more commonly used among friends and family.
    However, French, often called the language of love, uses "je t'aime" to express love as a romantic phrase that can be used for both partners and close family members.

    2. Gender differences:

    Some languages have gender-specific ways of saying "I love you." For instance, in Arabic, "????" (a?ibbuka) is used when a woman says "I love you" to a man, and "????" (a?ibbuki) is used when a man says it to a woman. Similarly, in Hindi, men say "??? ????? ????? ???? ???" (main tumse pyaar karta hoon) and women say "??? ????? ????? ???? ???" (main tumse pyaar karti hoon).

    3. Formal vs. informal:

    Some languages have formal and informal ways of expressing love. In Spanish, "te amo" is more formal and used for romantic love, while "te quiero" is more casual and can be used for friends and family.
    ?

  • Understand your English level

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Learning English as a second language is a journey that can be fun and tough. A key part of this journey is knowing your current skill level. The Global Scale of English (GSE) helps learners check their skills. The GSE is a scale from 10 to 90 that measures English ability. It gives clear information about what learners can do at each level. In this blog, well look at how to find out your English level using GSE scores, levels, and "I can..." statements.

    Why understanding your English level matters

    You may wonder, Why is it important for me to know my language level? If you start studying without knowing your skill level, you might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or find learning too easy and be put off or not make any learning progress.
    Knowing your English level helps you in many ways, such as to:

    1. Set realistic goals: Tailor your learning objectives to your current abilities.
    2. Choose appropriate materials: Select books, courses, and resources that match your proficiency.
    3. Track progress: Measure improvement over time and stay motivated.

    GSE levels and what they mean

    The GSE levels range from Starter to Expert, each with specific "I can..." statements that describe what you should be able to do at that level. Heres a breakdown of each level, along with some practical examples:

  • Teacher and primary school students colouring

    Planning effective ESL lessons for the upcoming year: Tips and ideas for teachers

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    As the new year approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on our teaching practices and plan engaging, effective lessons for our English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Thoughtfully crafted lesson plans can make a significant difference in the learning outcomes and engagement levels of your students. Whether you're teaching young children, teenagers, or adults, the principles of effective lesson planning remain consistent. Here are some ideas, hints and tips to help you create dynamic and successful ESL lessons for students of all ages.

    Start with clear learning objectives

    Begin each lesson with clear, achievable objectives. What do you want your students to learn by the end of the lesson? Objectives provide a roadmap for both you and your students, ensuring that everyone is focused and aware of the goals. For example, an objective might be "Students will be able to use past tense verbs to describe their weekend activities." Clear objectives provide direction and help you measure student progress.

    Incorporate a variety of activities

    To cater to different learning styles and keep students engaged, incorporate a mix of teaching methods and activities. Here are a few ideas:

    • Listening: Use audio recordings, songs, or podcasts to improve listening skills.
    • Speaking: Organize pair or group discussions, role-plays, or presentations to enhance speaking abilities.
    • Reading: Provide a variety of texts such as articles, short stories, or dialogues.
    • Writing: Assign tasks like journal entries, essays, or creative writing exercises.
    • Homework activities: For something outside of the classroom, a nature walk or a recipe can be used to help learn specific vocabulary.

    Use authentic materials

    Authentic materialssuch as newspapers, menus, brochures and videosexpose students to real-world language and contexts. These materials can make lessons more interesting and relevant, helping students see the practical application of their language skills. Even better, theyre everywhere, so easy to find. Here are some more suggestions for how to select and use authentic materials in your English language teaching.

    Integrate technology

    Teachers are already used to leveraging technology to enhance lessons utilizing online resources, language learning apps and interactive platforms to create a dynamic learning environment. Why not take this a step further by using AI to create your own resources. Take a look at our blog on How to make the most of AI in the classroom for some more ideas.
    ?