What makes an English language training programme deliver lasting results? Our years of expertise, combined with an analysis of tens of thousands of learning journeys, have allowed us to identify five key factors. All five share the same principle: combining the consistency and richness of digital learning with the support of a trainer, which is essential for practising, getting corrected and feeling more confident when speaking.
1. Combining digital learning and trainer-led sessions
Combining sessions with independent practice leads to up to three times more progress than following sessions alone, with no additional training.
The effectiveness of blended learning lies in this continuity. After each session, the lesson report allows learners to go back over their mistakes, consolidate the points covered and complete the exercises recommended by their trainer.
Practice continues between sessions too, with regular logins to the platform. This is an important habit to build, as starting classes can give the impression that independent practice is less necessary. Yet it’s precisely the combination of these two approaches that helps embed what’s been learnt over time.
‘The 30-minute format helps me stay engaged, while the platform exercises complement the sessions by focusing more on listening and comprehension.’
Jules P.
2. Making each session a time for active practice
A session with a trainer is a great opportunity to speak up, put into practice what’s been studied independently and benefit from immediate corrections. It also offers something no technology can: a human presence that listens, reads between the lines, adapts to what you need in the moment and helps you feel more confident.
To get the most out of it, you need to take an active part, speak as much as possible, ask questions and be willing to make mistakes. Taking linguistic risks in a supportive environment helps you overcome any blocks and become more fluent.
‘I deliberately chose trainers who didn’t speak my language, to challenge myself. And it worked, because it pushed me to restructure my ideas and rephrase my sentences in English so I could get my point across. The 30-minute format is ideal when you’re nervous about speaking.’
Julia G.
3. Putting in enough practice hours
A handful of scattered sessions is (unfortunately) not enough to make a noticeable difference to your level. Progress really takes off from 10 to 15 hours of sessions – that’s 20 to 30 thirty-minute lessons – and continues to build beyond that.
The same applies to digital learning. It’s the accumulation of practice and the repetition of exercises – far more than a few isolated activities – that consolidates knowledge and builds new automatic responses.
4. Making learning a regular appointment
Consistency is probably the most important factor. Sessions with a trainer and independent study on the platform will only fully deliver results if they become part of a routine.
The pace can vary depending on individual constraints and objectives. What matters is maintaining continuity and getting back on track quickly after a break. Because the real risk isn’t taking an occasional break – it’s letting that break turn into giving up altogether.
‘To make progress, it’s important to build a routine and block out a slot every week. I booked all my sessions in advance to keep myself on track and see my programme through to the end.’
Julia G.
5. Staying committed over the long term
Learning a language takes time. Those who achieve the best results stay engaged for an average of nearly 10 months.
It’s natural to go through periods where progress feels less visible. This sense of stagnation doesn’t mean that proficiency has stopped developing. Knowledge continues to consolidate and gradually becomes easier to draw on.
At such moments, those around the learner play an important role. The trainer, the manager, HR and training teams, and the learning and development teams can offer an outside perspective, highlight the progress already made and bring the skills acquired into sharper focus. This recognition feeds motivation and helps each person stay engaged through to the end of their programme.
In short: sessions build practice and confidence, while the platform consolidates what’s been learnt. Combined with enough volume, a regular routine and a long-term commitment, these two approaches turn effort into lasting skills.
Digital learning is the other half of the equation. Find out how to make it a real driver of progress:
→ Digital learning: our best practices for effective practice
