Boosting your learners' English language speaking skills

ÃÛÌÒapp Languages
A teacher stoof over computers that students are sat at
Reading time: 4 minutes

Teaching a language goes beyond imparting the rules of grammar and vocabulary. It's about unlocking the confidence in students to use that language in real-life conversations. Confidence in speaking is the bridge that connects classroom learning with the world outside.

In the era where digital solutions can complement traditional teaching methods, Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp can play a pivotal role in boosting learners' speaking confidence.

Why is it important to build students confidence?

Before we explore Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp's strengths, it's crucial to understand why speaking confidence matters. Communication is the heart of language, and confident speakers are more likely to use their language skills actively. They're more open to participating in conversations, which reinforces their learning and fosters better retention of the new language used.

Research has shown that 52% of English Learners leave their formal education without confidence in their speaking skills. Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp is your ultimate solution in tackling this challenge head-on, with 500+ minutes of English-speaking practice to build your learners' skills and confidence.

What causes a lack of confidence in speaking English?

There are a multitude of factors that contribute to a lack of confidence in speaking the English language well or any language for that matter. Some English learners feel self-conscious when their accent doesn't match what they perceive as the standard or desired accent.

Additionally, a lack of practice opportunities or speaking practice, especially in a supportive and constructive environment, can hinder students from becoming comfortable and fluent speakers. Understanding these challenges is the first step in overcoming them, allowing educators to tailor their teaching strategies to address these specific concerns and build a more inclusive and encouraging learning atmosphere.

What is Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp?

Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp is an English language learning application aligned to the Global Scale of English. With ÃÛÌÒapp pedagogy at its core, Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp offers over 500 minutes of speaking practice. Immersive AI-powered conversations, advanced speech recognition and engaging role plays, accelerate learning and build confidence.

Image of  phones showing the mondly by pearson app

Promoting speaking skills with Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp

To promote speaking confidence through Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp, put 500+ minutes of speaking practice in your learners' pockets. Here's how:

1. Realistic AI conversation partner

Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp allows learners to immerse themselves in AI-powered conversations to practice their English speaking. This provides a comfortable setting for learners to practice speaking and build confidence whether in or outside of the classroom. Ìý

2. Pronunciation-enhancing technology

With advanced speech recognition, Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp helps learners improve their pronunciation. Whether using the AI conversation partner or hands-free chatbot, encourage your students to repeat phrases and receive instant feedback, which is crucial for honing their pronunciation and speaking abilities.

3. Accessibility and flexibility

Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp's digital platform is accessible anytime, anywhere, with over 1,000 bite-sized English lessons. This flexibility allows students to practice all four language skills at their own pace, which is essential for building confidence.

4. Cultural immersion

Language isn't just about words; it's also about the culture it represents. Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp exposes students to cultural nuances, helping them become more comfortable listening and confident when speaking to different people.

Where to start

Begin by exploring the benefits of Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp with your students. Illustrate the connection between the digital learning experiences they love and the language skills they need. Remember, confidence in speaking forms the foundation for all aspects of language learning, and Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp is an instrument that can help lay this groundwork.Ìý

Why Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp?

Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp is your trusted classroom companion. Complement your teaching with lessons aligned with theÌýGlobal Scale of English. So, you can be sure your learners will be practicing what you've been teaching them - in or outside of the classroom.

At-a-glance dashboards with downloadable reports, allow you to monitor learners' progress in real-time.

With Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp, your learners can practice their English anytime, anywhere, once they've downloaded the app.ÌýÌýcomes with perks such as instant feedback, leaderboards and daily reminders, ensuring that your learners remain motivated and engaged.

What sets it apart is our focus on providing an immersive learning experience. With over 100 AI-powered conversations and advanced speech recognition capabilities, students get to role-play and practice their speaking skills in a safe and engaging environment.

Don't just take our word for it. Request a demo and try it for yourself.

Accelerate your learners' progress with our ​comprehensive language solution​

Discover our ÃÛÌÒapp English Journey, a comprehensive language solution that includes:
Engaging courseware, confidence-building assessment and certification to celebrate your learner's progress.

All are underpinned by theÌýGlobal Scale of English, proven to fast-track progress.ÌýÃÛÌÒapp English JourneyÌýis now complemented by Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp, the perfect classroom companion app.

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    Education trends in MENA: Q&A

    By ÃÛÌÒapp Languages
    Today we're discussing Education trends with Isil Berkan, the Marketing Director for the Middle East, Africa & Turkey:

    Can you share how your school solutions are implementing AI and other technologies? Are schools interested in these solutions? Have any been implemented? Can you provide case studies from the MENA region?

    We have several solutions that are technology influenced that have been deployed across the Middle East, in the UAE, KSA, Oman, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan.

    • MondlyWorks by ÃÛÌÒapp - This immersive language learning app makes language learning engaging and accessible for schools and university learners through interactive lessons, games, and activities tailored to their age group. The app is an example of gamified learning to keep students motivated and interested while they acquire new language skills.
    • ÃÛÌÒapp English Connect (PEC) - a game-changing digital teachers' hub revolutionizing English language teaching inside and outside the classroom. PEC is a fully interactive digital experience that provides highly effective online teaching and easy monitoring of progress and performance for students and teachers alike.
    • ÃÛÌÒapp Test of EnglishÌý (PTE) - An internationally recognized computer-based English language proficiency test for study, work, or visas. The ÃÛÌÒapp Test of English employs an AI-based scoring system, ensuring 100% impartiality so only the candidate's responses influence the scores. More than 3000 academic institutions, professional organizations and government bodies trust PTE to verify English skills in Canada, the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand.

    Expatriates make up more than 40% of the current Middle East population; hence studying abroad is relatively common in this part of the world. The UAE invests significant resources towards overseas education for its students, as evident from widely reported annual numbers of approximately 15,000 individuals studying abroad.

    In KSA, the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP), established by the Saudi Arabian government in 2005, is a pivotal component of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. This national vision seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a diverse and knowledge-driven economy while fostering social and cultural transformation. By investing in the education of Saudi students across various fields and levels, KASP equips them with the necessary skills and expertise and cultivates a global perspective. As these scholars return home after their studies, they are poised to contribute significantly to the nation's economic diversification, technological advancement, and international collaboration, thereby driving forward the comprehensive aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.

    Moreover, in the MEA region, the sector is projected to be worth $7 billion by 2027, demonstrating the growing significance of technology in education.

    How do you see current trends - such as present jobs being replaced with others, many as-yet-unknown - influencing curricula across the Middle East? How should schools and universities incorporate skills-based learning to ensure students can fluidly adapt to tomorrow's challenges?

    English proficiency also plays a crucial role in a globalized world, bridging individuals from diverse cultures and facilitating seamless information-sharing worldwide. English is the lingua franca for communication. Today, most English speakers have learned English as a second or additional language - learned through study and testing later in life. This is where English proficiency testing products like ÃÛÌÒapp's are most useful and can be incorporated into schools and universities.

    ÃÛÌÒapp surveyed 4,000 employees across the globe for our Skills Outlook 2023, which revealed that people are most interested in careers in tech and business-related fields such as e-commerce, software services, data science, and financial services. However, they believe human skills – like problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork – are the most attractive to employers now and in the future. Additionally, a recent ÃÛÌÒapp on ICT certification shows that 59% of employers in the Middle East have increased their investment in IT skills training within the past 12 months.

    This is where the MENA region emphasizes STEM and tech-related fields from the elementary level. For instance, one of the key initiatives of the Ministry of Saudi is to build a world-class education system using STEM and transform Saudi into a knowledge-based economy. Another is the UAE Government Development and the Future Office's "building future talents" initiative to build 10,000 UAE public school female students' skills in STEM fields. The region is upskilling its residents and citizens by incorporating EdTech and gamified learning to keep students engaged in associated subjects.

    Anything you'd like to add about education trends in the MENA region?

    The focus in the MENA region will be on upscaling its E-Learning and Online Education to promote a 'learn-on-the-go' environment. Within this language learning and bilingual education are a focus to allow students to pursue international opportunities and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is a focus to equip students with the skills for the modern workforce.

  • A class of students sat at desks in a classroom looking at their teacher stood at the front

    5 ways to reinspire your students after the summer holidays

    By Joanna Wiseman

    The new academic year is here and we're getting ready to head back to the English classroom. Yet, after a long and relaxing summer holiday, some students may feel unmotivated to return to the same class routine, especially if they have been learning English for several years. So, how can we reinspire students to keep learning and reconnect with English? By bringing in new resources, learning approaches and targets, we are sure you'll be able to rekindle their love of learning.

    So let's look at five ways to reinspire your English students in the coming academic year.

    1. Set new goals

    Students may lose interest in classes or feel discouraged when they don't have a clear target to work towards. If this is the case with your class, have them write up a list of five new goals they'd like to achieve.Ìý

    These goals must be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. So rather than just saying "I'd like to learn more vocabulary", have students make it SMART.Ìý

    For example:

    Specific: "I'd like to learn new advanced vocabulary to use in my writing."

    Measurable: "I'll test myself to see if I can define and use 20 new words in sentences."

    Achievable: "I will dedicate 2 hours a week to studying the definitions and writing example sentences in context."

    Relevant: "This will help me get a good score in myÌýÌýas I struggle with formal academic language."

    Timely: "I will learn 20 new words by the end of September."

    If learners find it difficult to think of goals, ask them to write one for each language skill: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You can also refer to the GSE Teacher Toolkit, which has hundreds of learning objectives organized by age, level, skill type and more.

    The idea is to encourage them to set clear objectives, giving them an exciting new challenge to work towards for the year ahead.

    2. Encourage students to find conversation partners

    Students may lose interest in improving their English if they've only been studying in a classroom. They may see it as something boring and unrelated to their real lives.Ìý

    A great way to tackle this is by encouraging them to talk with English speakers outside of class. By doing this, they'll pick up new vocabulary and expressions, giving them more confidenceÌýin their language abilities.Ìý

    Suggest that they attend a language exchange.ÌýÌýandÌýÌýareÌýgreat platforms to find regular language exchange events in their local area. While this is suitable for intermediate learners and above, it may be a bit daunting for beginners.Ìý

    In this case, the appÌýÌýmay be a suitable alternative. Similar to a language exchange, learners can connect with people from around the world. They can choose people with a similar level as them and either write messages, send short audios, or do video calls, depending on their ability and confidence.Ìý

    Communicating with real people is a fun and encouraging reason for your learners to want to improve.

    3. Introduce interesting new vocabulary

    Students may become disheartened if they've been learning for years but aren't seeing much progress. A simple and effective way to help them improve their level is by encouraging them toÌýexpand their vocabulary.Ìý

    They already have to study a lot of vocabulary from their textbooks, so why not give it a more personal twist and ask for suggestions of topics that interest them?Ìý

    Maybe they are gamers and want to learn how to communicate better with other players around the world. Select vocabulary about styles of games, turn-taking, and strategizing that they could use – they can practice in class and be thrilled to be given homework.

    Perhaps some of your students want to study or work abroad. This may be a common topic, but one thing that is not frequently discussed is how to deal with the paperwork of living in another country. For example, getting into more specific language about banking, housing rentals, or setting up wifi will help them feel more confident about their move. Though these things differ between countries, there is a lot of overlapping vocabulary and roleplaying will do wonders to reassure and excite them about their upcoming adventures.

    By allowing your students to take control of their learning, their motivation is naturally higher and you too will enjoy finding out specific language about their interests.

    4. Work on specific problem areasÌý

    Language learners may become frustrated and lose motivation if they continue to make the same mistakes. It may cause them to feel disheartened in their abilities and want to give up, especially for those who aim to sit exams. You can help them level up by identifying specific problem areas and tailoring your classes to work on these.Ìý

    Tests can help your learners discover their weaknesses and avoid the frustration of sitting and not passing an exam. They'll be able to pinpoint what they need to work on, and you can dedicate your classes to exactly what they need, rather than cover areas they may not have problems with.

    For example, if students are experiencing difficulties with reading comprehension, you could try introducing more varied reading materials. Ask them to bring in blog posts, magazines and news articles on topics that they find interesting. Highlight keywords in the text to enhance their understanding of the piece and create comprehension questions similar to the test format they'll take.Ìý

    By giving a little extra attention to fixing problem areas, learners will soon start to see their progress, encouraging and inspiring them to keep going.

    5. Change your class formatÌý

    Sometimes learners become demotivated simply because they have become too used to the format of the classes. If this is the case, you might want to take a break from the textbook and try more creative language learning methods. For example:

    Use interactive games

    Suitable for all levels, you can use platforms such asÌýÌýorÌý to test your learners. They offer a new dimension to the class, encouraging students to have fun with the language. Divide them into teams to add an element of competition – there's nothing like a friendly game to excite students!

    Set project work

    Put your class into small groups and have them work on a project to present to the rest of the group. Choose topics they might cover in their textbooks, such as occupations, travel or cultural traditions. Or even better – let students come up with their own! This activity can be modified to suit all levels and offers a challenge as learners will need to push their language limits.

    Hold class debatesÌý

    More suitable for intermediate learners and above, class debates get everyone talking. You can ask students to brainstorm topics they're interested in. You can offer prompts such as climate change, the advertising of junk food or the impacts of social media. They'll be happy to talk about things that concern them.

    Throw in some unexpected activities to bring students' attention back to class and spark their interest in learning again.

  • ladies smiling outside with one pointing ahead

    Planning to study abroad? Here’s 5 things to add to your checklist

    By Joanna Wiseman

    As the school year reaches its end, high school students and those aiming for a master's degree are getting ready to engage in the demanding application procedure for a program at a university abroad. Pursuing education overseas is highly desired by many individuals, as it expands their personal and professional perspectives and fosters comprehensive development.

    Notably, the UAE places significant emphasis on sending students abroad for studies, with reports suggesting an approximate annual count of . At the same time,ÌýKSA has introduced the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program for certain qualitative majors at leading international universities to support its Vision 2030.

    1. Choose your university:

    The first step is to narrow down the best universities for your program of choice. Essential factors to consider include the cost of living, tuition fees, career opportunities in the country, including your overall safety and well-being. When it comes to the MENA region, popular destinations for study-abroad aspirants are the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries serve as gateways for personal and professional growth.

    2. Shortlist what you need to apply:

    The next stage involves verifying the requirements of the application process for your chosen program and university. Most academic institutions typically request academic transcripts, identification documents, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. If English isn't your native language, demonstrating your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English is essential to comprehend course materials and to obtain your student visa.

    To fulfill this requirement, you will need to register for and successfully complete an English-language proficiency test such as the PTE Academic. The PTE offers various preparation options, including Scored Practice Tests, PTE Academic Question Banks, the Official Guide to PTE Academic, and the PTE Academic English Booster. These resources provide comprehensive information and practical advice for each exam section, simplifying your preparation process.

    3. Find out if you're eligible to work

    Just because you've been granted a visa to live in a country doesn't mean you have the right to work full-time. Many student visas put a cap on how many hours people can work.

    For example, in Australia, students can work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the school term. You'll likely have permission to work full-time if you're not on a student visa. However, many countries require you to apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before you can.

    4. Create a budget

    Before moving to a new country, you should have some savings. In some cases, depending on your visa type and the country you're moving to, you might be required to show proof of savings with your visa application.

    Day-to-day living costs may also be more expensive abroad, and it could take you longer than anticipated to find a job – so it's important to have money put away to help you settle in. Many governments offer cost-of-living calculators online, which can be an excellent resource for new immigrants.

    When you arrive, you'll also need to open a bank account. This can often be done online. Some banks even have accounts specifically designed for newcomers and offer credit cards to help build credit history.

    5. Check if your test scores are accepted by the university/country:

    Verify that your chosen school accepts the language test you plan to take to avoid spending money on an incompatible test. For example, the computer-based PTE Academic test is recognized by 3,000 academic institutions worldwide, including countries such as Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, and more. Furthermore, it is approved by the UK, Australia, and New Zealand governments for all types of visas. PTE UKVI for example, is a home office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for all visas that require a four-skill language test and is recognized by 99% of UK universities and colleges.

    The PTE Academic employs an AI-based scoring system, ensuring 100% impartiality so only the candidate's responses influence the scores. Test-takers have the flexibility to select a convenient test slot, which can be scheduled as little as 24 hours in advance. Multiple test centers across MENA exist, most notably in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in KSA; Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar. Moreover, the test can be taken from the comfort of one's home. PTE Academic delivers results within 36 hours on average, enabling test-takers to make well-informed decisions about their next steps.

    Millions of people around the globe aspire to move abroad to study or work as a stepping stone in their lives. Being able to speak English helps to make a real connection with people as it is the most commonly spoken language in the world, with over across the globe. The more proficient you are, the better you can express yourself. If you want to add value to your college applications, jobs or enhance your skills, taking an English language proficiency test can go a long way.

    Check the English-language proficiency test off your list today: