Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions about EnglishConnect. Additional frequently asked questions for learners, teachers, and leaders can be found at englishconnect.org/help.

Do I need teaching experience to be an EnglishConnect teacher?

How do I teach learners if I don’t know their language?

Can we speak the native language during the conversation group?

How do I teach a multi-language group?

How do I help learners practice English daily?

How do I organize an EnglishConnect group?

How long is an EnglishConnect group meeting?

How often should my group meet?

Can I teach more than one lesson in a group meeting?

How do I know which EnglishConnect level a learner should join?

What is EnglishConnect 3?

How do I help a learner who joins a group that is already in progress?

What if a learner misses a group meeting or stops coming?

How do I support learners who are learning at a slower pace than others in the group?

How do I support learners who are learning at a faster pace?

How do I support learners who have different English-speaking abilities?

What do I do when a learner asks questions about grammar?

Should I correct pronunciation?

How do I register and manage my EnglishConnect group?

How do learners receive EnglishConnect certificates?

Do I need teaching experience to be an EnglishConnect teacher?

You do not need teaching experience to be an EnglishConnect teacher. Perhaps you have never taught English before and feel uncertain how to begin. That’s okay. EnglishConnect lessons are carefully and thoughtfully designed using language-teaching principles and spiritual principles to help you be successful. You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to know the answer to every question. Your role is to facilitate language development by providing opportunities for practice. You do not have to teach grammar or understand everything about English. Instead, focus on creating an environment where learners feel comfortable speaking English and learning from their mistakes.

How do I teach learners if I don’t know their language?

Teaching English using only English is very common around the world. In fact, this can be a blessing because it increases the amount of English that learners hear and use. Remember to speak in simple English. Use visuals, hand gestures, and body language to help learners understand new vocabulary words and patterns. You can show a photo, draw a picture, or act it out. You can point learners to the translated resources in EnglishConnect 1 for Learners or EnglishConnect 2 for Learners, or you can use an online dictionary. This will also teach learners how to use available resources to find answers. Avoid long explanations. Instead, simply show learners what to do by demonstrating.

Remember that you are learning together. Regularly invite learners to turn to the Lord for support. As their teacher, you can be an example of faith and effort. Speaking English with learners is an act of faith. The Lord will bless you and learners as you act in faith to speak English.

Can we speak the native language during the conversation group?

You will help learners most when you focus on speaking English throughout the conversation group. You can do this by setting an example. Do your best to speak only English. Use simple words and short sentences. Speak slowly and repeat phrases often. Write key words and phrases on the board. You can also use a visual, draw a picture, or act it out. Avoid long explanations and translating everything you say. If you must use the native language, ask permission first and use the native language as little as possible and then return to English. Encourage learners to speak as much English as they can and to not be afraid of making mistakes. Help them experience success, and praise every effort. If learners need more help, point them to the learner manuals, where they can find the material in their native languages. As you focus on helping learners learn by doing, you will have less need to use the native language.

How do I teach a multi-language group?

Teaching a multi-language group is a wonderful opportunity to encourage speaking English because English is the common language in the group. As a teacher, use the English version of the learner manual. Help learners use the learner manual in their native language, if it is available, so they can benefit from the translations. If possible, put learners into small groups to discuss the principle of learning in their native languages, but make sure no one is excluded. If there is only one speaker of a particular language in the group, have that group discuss the principle of learning in simple English so all are included.

How do I help learners practice English daily?

To learn English, learners need to develop a habit of practicing daily. Encourage learners to establish this habit by finding simple ways to integrate English into their daily activities (see the “Daily Practice” section). For example, learners can choose to watch shows or listen to music in English. You can encourage learners to use the list of ideas to improve daily study found after the “Personal Study Tracker” in the introduction to the learner manual. Use this list to inspire learners to find creative, meaningful ways to practice daily.

During the group meeting, invite learners to study and practice English daily and follow up on their efforts. You could ask a few learners to share specific things they did for daily practice. You might consider creating a virtual space, such as a group chat, for learners in the group. Counsel with your leaders to find appropriate ways to help the group stay connected during the week through group messaging or other ways. You can support learners as they work to reach their goals, but remember, they are ultimately responsible for their own learning.

How do I organize an EnglishConnect group?

Counsel with local Church leadership to make decisions about organizing and running EnglishConnect groups. Ideally, two adult teachers are assigned to each group. Consider learners’ needs and the local capacity as you make choices about location, schedule, and pacing.

How long is an EnglishConnect group meeting?

EnglishConnect lessons can range from 60 to 90 minutes. Follow the timing ranges listed for each activity. Do not remove any activities; simply use the minimum time suggested for a shorter group meeting and use the longer time suggested if time allows.

Note: Counsel with those who are overseeing the program and consider learners’ needs and the local capacity as you make these decisions.

How often should my group meet?

Generally, groups meet once a week. If desired, groups can meet more frequently. For group meetings to be most effective, learners need to have sufficient time between meetings to complete the “Personal Study” section.

EnglishConnect 1 and 2 each have 25 lessons. If groups meet once a week, it will take six months to complete one level. If groups meet twice a week, it will take three months. If desired, you can break up the program into smaller sections, or modules. For example, you may choose to start a group that will meet for only three months once a week to complete units 1 through 3. Using this approach can help learners stay committed.

Note: When scheduling a group meeting that does not begin with unit 1, consider starting your group’s lesson schedule with lesson 1. This will help orient learners on how to use the manual. Counsel with those who are overseeing the program and consider learners’ needs and the local capacity as you make these decisions.

Can I teach more than one lesson in a group meeting?

If desired, groups can cover more than one lesson during a group meeting. For group meetings to be most effective, learners need to have sufficient time before the group meeting to complete the “Personal Study” section for each lesson.

See “How often should my group meet?” for more information on lesson schedule and pacing.

How do I know which EnglishConnect level a learner should join?

EnglishConnect 1 requires literacy in the person’s native language and the ability to read the English alphabet and basic English words. EnglishConnect 2 is for learners who can say basic sentences and respond to basic questions in English. To decide if a learner should join EnglishConnect 1 or EnglishConnect 2, you can use the oral proficiency interview in appendix B.

EnglishConnect 3 is an intermediate course that helps learners develop academic English-language skills. To join EnglishConnect 3, learners must apply and achieve a qualifying score on the placement exam. Learners can apply at englishconnect.org/join.

What is EnglishConnect 3?

EnglishConnect has multiple levels to help participants progress. EnglishConnect 1 and 2 help learners develop basic English-language skills. EnglishConnect 3 is an intermediate course that helps learners develop academic English-language skills. It helps learners prepare for BYU–Pathway Worldwide. (Learn more about BYU–Pathway Worldwide at byupathway.org.)

EnglishConnect 3 is a low-cost, online course with a conversation gathering held virtually or in a local meetinghouse. EnglishConnect 3 includes online learning resources with individualized feedback in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Learners can advance in the course at their own pace. Learners can repeat EnglishConnect 3 as many times as desired to accomplish their goals. Completing EnglishConnect 3 allows learners to bypass the English assessment when applying to BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

To prepare for EnglishConnect 3, learners should complete EnglishConnect 1 and 2—including workbook activities, particularly the reading and writing activities. Encourage EnglishConnect 2 learners to apply to EnglishConnect 3 at englishconnect.org/join.

EnglishConnect 3 is offered through BYU–Pathway Worldwide in collaboration with local leaders and Church service missionaries. Interested leaders can work with welfare and self-reliance managers in their area to provide EnglishConnect 3 in their locations.

How do I help a learner who joins a group that is already in progress?

The lessons are designed so that new learners can join an EnglishConnect group anytime. If learners want to join after groups have already started, welcome them, provide them with EnglishConnect 1 for Learners or EnglishConnect 2 for Learners (or show them how to access the manual in Gospel Library), and help them participate. You or another learner can help new learners integrate with the group by showing them how to prepare for the next lesson. Also, learners can choose to repeat a level if they need more practice.

What if a learner misses a group meeting or stops coming?

Sometimes learners have challenges that make it difficult to attend the group, and they are often hesitant to return because of embarrassment or fear. They may assume that they have missed too much and can’t catch up. Reach out and invite absent learners to come to the next lesson no matter how many they have missed. Offer support and encouragement. Assure them that EnglishConnect is designed so learners can rejoin at any time. Learners can start again by attending the group and preparing for the next lesson. Consider inviting one or more members of the group to contact the absent learner and express support.

Note: Do not share a person’s contact information without his or her written permission.

How do I support learners who are learning at a slower pace than others in the group?

Some learners need more time to understand and speak a language. These learners will benefit most from completing the “Personal Study” section before participating in each conversation group. Invite them to practice the vocabulary and sentence patterns before the group meets. During the lesson, pair these learners with other learners who can provide encouragement and support. Encourage all learners to do as much as they can and to accept mistakes as part of the learning process. You may also choose to review and repeat activities. Remind all learners that completing the “Personal Study” section before participating in the next conversation group is vital to their progress.

How do I support learners who are learning at a faster pace?

As you engage with learners, you might notice that some understand well and are able to complete practice activities easily. Consider challenging these learners to deepen their learning by including more details or doing the same activity in a different context. For example, when learners practice meeting someone, ask them to practice meeting a new friend or a new boss. These learners can also solidify their knowledge of English by supporting learners who are learning at a slower pace. All learners can benefit from teaching a peer and helping others practice vocabulary and patterns in English.

How do I support learners who have different English-speaking abilities?

Having learners with different levels of English-speaking ability is natural and is an opportunity for them to help each other. Helping each other can foster fellowship and growth. Everyone has something to offer. For example, some learners may be able to help others feel confident because they are willing to make mistakes. Pair learners in different ways. You can pair learners with someone at a similar level to help them stretch their abilities together. Or you can pair learners with someone at a different level. The lower-level learner will benefit from feedback and support. The higher-level learner will benefit from teaching a peer and explaining in English. Remember, having a group with different English-speaking abilities is normal and can be a wonderful opportunity for learners to benefit from helping each other.

What do I do when a learner asks questions about grammar?

Instead of providing lengthy grammar instruction or spending a lot of time talking about rules, point learners back to the patterns. Learners will avoid many mistakes by following the patterns. It is more effective to learn by practicing the language instead of talking about the language. Any explanations about grammar should be simple, concise, and actionable. If you teach a principle, provide example sentences and invite learners to practice applying the principle. Learners benefit most from hearing and practicing English.

Should I correct pronunciation?

Do not spend a lot of time correcting pronunciation. Remind learners that being understood is more important than having perfect pronunciation. Encourage learners to practice pronunciation during their personal study so they can practice at their own pace. Keep in mind that if learners are overly concerned about their pronunciation, they may be hesitant to practice conversation. Encourage learners to use the pronunciation modules online at englishconnect.org/learner/resources.

How do I register and manage my EnglishConnect group?

Use the tool QuickReg (quickreg.englishconnect.org) to register and manage your EnglishConnect group. QuickReg is a group registration tool provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can use QuickReg to:

• Create a group: Select the day, time, and location of your group.

• Manage a group: View participant information and update group information.

• Invite people to participate: Your group will be listed online at englishconnect.org/join. You can share a link to invite people to register for your group.

• Distribute certificates: At the end of your group, you can access and print the certificates.

How do learners receive EnglishConnect certificates?

EnglishConnect 1 and 2: At the conclusion of the group, learners can receive participation certificates. Leaders, specialists, or teachers can distribute the certificates. Some countries may not be approved to distribute EnglishConnect certificates. Please review local legal requirements before awarding certificates (see englishconnect.org/leader/approved-locations).

Note: To access and distribute certificates, your group must be registered in the QuickReg tool at quickreg.englishconnect.org. (See “How do I register and manage my EnglishConnect group?” in this FAQ section.)

EnglishConnect 3: Learners can achieve certificates of completion when they complete required levels in the course. Completing EnglishConnect 3 allows learners to bypass the English assessment when applying to BYU–Pathway Worldwide.