What are the differences?
What are the advantages?
At EiM, we are frequently asked these questions.
The principle difference is that language courses are generally book-based and follow a fixed syllabus, whereas language coaching addresses the immediate needs of the learners.
Initially, learners are requested to provide a list of topics so that the coach can prepare suitable materials for each session. However, learners can also agree which topics are spontaneously addressed and discussed during the session.
Some examples can be:
- Practicing a sales presentation in English and getting immediate feedback from the group and the coach
- Clarifying (in context) typical problems such as the Oxford comma and the use of hyphens
- Discussing the “tone” and “feel” of a new marketing brochure
- Deciding the best “use of language” for the key messages in any form of corporate communication (audio, video, text)
In all these cases, the whole group benefits from the knowledge gained and the active discussion of work-related language. If there are no current topics, the coach addresses one of the predefined topics requested by the group or a topic the coach feels is necessary for the whole group.
Coaching delivers immediate benefits by focusing on the current language needs of the participants.
Coaching is ideal for anyone in a customer facing role or who is required to communicate in English on a daily basis. It is also perfect for anyone who wants to concentrate on fluency or is frustrated with traditional approaches for learning language.
In: Coaching