Unlocking economic potential with language learning

Samantha Ball
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Reading time: 5 minutes

As demographic shifts and technological advancements reshape the global workforce, the gap between the skills people have and the skills they need continues to widen. This "skills chasm" is particularly evident in language learning, where traditional education systems often fail to keep pace with the demands of the modern economy.

Unlocking economic potential with language learning
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The skills chasm in language learning

Demographics and technological disruption

The aging population and declining birth rates mean fewer young people are entering the workforce, including roles that require multilingual capabilities. , highlighting the need for lifelong language learning to keep older workers engaged and productive.

Also, advancements in AI are reshaping the learning and usage of languages in professional settings. Tools like language translation services and learning applications are increasing the demand for employees who can utilize these technologies and adapt to evolving linguistic tools.

By 2030, i, including language capabilities, which will require ongoing improvements in language proficiency. In our report, How English empowers your tomorrow, 40% of survey participants expressed concern that AI could replace their jobs within the next five years. Mastery of English is considered essential for securing careers in a landscape heavily influenced by new technologies and AI.

Economic stakes and language learning

Economic growth

Enhanced language skills can significantly contribute to economic growth. For instance, a one-standard-deviation increase in cognitive skills, which includes language proficiency, is in a country¡¯s annual economic growth. This highlights the economic value of investing in language education.

Transition losses

In language learning, transition losses refer to delays in acquiring essential language skills for employment. Bridging these gaps can lessen economic losses and enhance job readiness.

, with a considerable amount stemming from skills gaps, including language proficiency. Our survey results show that those employees who work for a company that offers language training are more than twice as likely to say that they are very satisfied with their job than those working for companies that do not offer any language training.?

However, only 33% of learners indicate that their employer provides language training. Happier employees are more inclined to remain with their company longer, thereby reducing overall turnover costs

Learning to learn

Emphasizing learning-to-learn skills in corporate training for HR professionals can enhance efficiency in employee development. Metacognitive strategies, such as self-assessment and goal setting, help employees retain and apply new concepts and skills more effectively. By investing in and implementing solutions that address these needs, businesses can cultivate a more competent and adaptable workforce. Tools like 'Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp' can support their learning.

Aligning with market needs

Language learning pathways should be aligned with labor market needs. Industries such as international business, tourism, and diplomacy require specific language skills that should be integrated into educational programs. Creating adaptive and transparent pathways for language learning can help individuals navigate their careers more effectively. For help on aligning language skills with jobs, make sure to look at our GSE Job Profiles.

Flexible pathways

Establishing adaptable and clear pathways for language acquisition is crucial. This involves providing modular courses, certifications, and opportunities for real-world language practice. For instance, virtual reality training can create realistic language-use scenarios, guiding learners in determining if they should change their course. For example, ÃÛÌÒapp has an AI-driven language training tool named Digital Language Tutor, designed to assist learners in realistic language environments.

The path forward: Investing in language learning for economic success

For HR professionals and decision-makers, the message is clear. Investing in language learning is a strategic economic imperative.?Bridging language learning can enhance employee potential while driving significant economic growth and reducing transition losses.?

The future of work demands a proactive approach to language learning, ensuring that individuals and organizations are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a globalized economy. and find out how to close it with language learning.

Get in touch about our corporate solutions

Read our blog posts 'Real-world English: How GSE Job Profiles bridge learning and work'?and 'Improving employee engagement: The crucial role of language learning in business'.

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    The advantages of online distance learning

    By Mike Rost

    The technological component of learning is constantly growing. More and more classes are taking place online ¨C yet rather than simply being a substitute for classroom courses, they can be blended with a classroom-based approach. This often offers students a more engaging and motivating experience. This post talks about the advantages of online learning, why teachers find it useful and why students enjoy it.

    Distance learning versus classroom courses

    Typically, there are two sets of teachers interested in experimenting with online teaching:

    • Those who are considering using distance learning courses for students who can¡¯t attend classes.
    • Those who are looking to supplement their classroom teaching with more interactive, or personalized online components.

    Yet regardless of the category they fall into, they¡¯ll often ask: ¡°What can distance learning courses provide that classroom courses can¡¯t?¡±.

    And this is the right question to ask. Looking at the relative advantages of online courses helps us discern what is the best use of classroom time for learning and what is the best use of online time for learning.

    Knowing this allows us to make better decisions about how and when to use online learning. Instead of simply adopting an online course, adding online components just because they look attractive, or using great technology just because it alleviates scheduling problems, we can choose them for the added value they provide.

    The strengths of classroom-based learning versus online learning

    The strengths of a classroom-based course are:

    1. Easier community building.
    2. Direct access to a live teacher for inspiration, guidance and feedback.
    3. More 'live' opportunities for communicative practice with other students.
    4. Provision of a structured schedule.

    As for the strengths of a distance learning course, the following come to mind. They:

    1. Provide easier access to course resources.
    2. Offer greater convenience for the teacher and learner, and offer flexibility in scheduling.
    3. Can be personalized ¨C that is, teachers can cater to each student¡¯s proficiency level and learning goals by delivering different online resources (including videos, readings, and listenings) to individual students so they can work on them in their own time.

    However, distance learning courses have some less obvious advantages, too. Distance learning courses have shown the following trends, which have completely changed the way to see and use online learning:

    Increased engagement

    Number one is the rise in engagement. A well-designed distance course is aimed directly at the individual learner: there is much more practice time and immediate feedback, particularly for listening and speaking tasks. We often find that shy students and those who feel unable to participate in a classroom environment are more willing to engage with the teacher and other students in online courses.

    Improved concentration

    Secondly, online courses improve concentration, which, as all teachers know, is a continual problem in classrooms. Rather than being directed on what to do, students working online can select what activities to engage in, for how long, and in what sequence, which helps them stay focused.

    Easier assessment

    The third advantage, which is vital for a teacher, is the ease and fluidity of tracking progress. In classrooms, it¡¯s hard to track how students progress over a whole semester, much less in each class. In online distance learning, you get constant monitoring of how well students are doing on individual tasks and progress checks, no matter what learning management system you¡¯re using.

    Why learners choose online courses

    We¡¯ve seen the potential reasons teachers may incorporate distance learning materials. But why do learners choose online courses over classroom ones?

    Choice is an important aspect of ¨C and the only way that students are going to learn is if they feel engaged. Give them choices in activities, homework, schedules, tests and even grading.

    For example, if teaching a class on human rights, in which students watch a short video and write a text, you could give students a choice of two videos, rather than directing them to watch a particular video. And in an exam, maybe offer a choice of different reading materials or essay topics to write on.

    What¡¯s more, giving students a choice of a distance learning course over a classroom course, a blended classroom online course, or even a choice of activities can improve motivation and increase engagement. Just make sure not to overwhelm them with too many choices!