English Learning
What Does the Learner Do?


“What Does the Learner Do?,” EnglishConnect for Teachers (2023)

“What Does the Learner Do?,” EnglishConnect for Teachers

man and woman study from EnglishConnect manual during conversation group

What Does the Learner Do?

As an EnglishConnect teacher, you need to understand what the learners will do so you can help them be successful. Learners will be most successful when they complete personal study activities, participate in the conversation group, and develop a habit of practicing English daily. Each lesson in EnglishConnect 1 for Learners and EnglishConnect 2 for Learners is divided into two sections: “Personal Study” and “Conversation Group”. Review the “Introduction” in the EnglishConnect learner manuals to help you understand the learner experience.

graphic showing that personal study and conversation group is a cyclical process

Seek Learning by Study and by Faith

The foundation of the EnglishConnect experience is helping learners “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). Every lesson in EnglishConnect is centered on a principle of learning. These are spiritual principles that help us rely on the Lord to increase our capacity to learn and teach. The principles of learning can help us understand our true potential and the Savior’s ability to help us. The principles of learning that we will study and exemplify in the EnglishConnect experience include:

You Are a Child of God

I am a child of God with eternal potential and purpose.

(See Romans 8:16–17; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”)

Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ can help me do all things as I exercise faith in Him.

(See Philippians 4:13; Ether 12:27; Moroni 7:33.)

Take Responsibility

I have the power to choose, and I am responsible for my own learning.

(See 2 Nephi 2:14, 16; Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28.)

Love and Teach One Another

I can learn from the Holy Spirit as I love, teach, and learn with others.

(See John 13:34–35; John 14:26–27; Doctrine and Covenants 84:106; 88:77, 122–23.)

Press Forward

With God’s help, I can press forward even when I face obstacles.

(See 2 Nephi 31:20; 32:9; Doctrine and Covenants 50:41–42.)

Counsel with the Lord

I improve my learning by counseling with God daily about my efforts.

(See Proverbs 3:5–6; Matthew 7:7–8; Alma 37:37.)

Personal Study

Before attending the conversation group, learners complete the “Personal Study” section in the learner manual. In this section, learners study a principle of learning, memorize vocabulary, and practice using sentence patterns.

Memorizing vocabulary and practicing patterns are activities best done in personal study. This allows learners to master the concepts at their own pace.

Conversation Group

In the conversation group, learners complete the “Conversation Group” activities in the learner manual. Working in small groups or pairs, learners discuss a principle of learning, review vocabulary and sentence patterns, and practice conversations. Each activity prepares learners for the next activity. At the end of each conversation group, learners evaluate their progress and set goals for daily practice.

Daily Practice

To best learn English, learners need to develop a habit of practicing daily. To establish this habit, learners need to find ways to integrate English into their daily activities. For example, when they listen to music, they can listen in English. Learners can also have simple conversations in English at home, work, or church. (See additional ideas in the section “Study Suggestions” in the EnglishConnect learner manuals.) The key to daily practice is to help learners find ways to use English in their normal routine.

As part of their daily practice, learners can complete the corresponding “Personal Study” section in the learner manual. They can also complete lesson activities and assessments online at englishconnect.org/learner/resources and in the EnglishConnect 1 Workbook and EnglishConnect 2 Workbook.