Meet Jeffrey: Aspiring Educator, English Learner
Jeffrey (2nd from left) pictured with EnGen and Miami Dade College staff.
“Enjoy the process.”
EnGen learner Jeffrey believes that the experience of learning and improving English skills should be a journey. And he knows a lot about being on a journey.
Jeffrey moved to the United States from Cuba, where English was not taught in school. He spent several years in Key West, Florida where he struggled to meet fellow Spanish speakers.
Eventually Jeffrey settled in Miami, where he decided to pursue his dream of being a teacher. In doing so, Jeffrey will be helping to fill critical teacher shortages in Florida, which leads the country for number of teacher vacancies. But to do that, he knew he needed to improve his English skills.
After trying several online products and short-term classes, Jeffrey was introduced to EnGen as a student at Miami-Dade College (MDC). The EnGen platform provides online, on-demand and career-oriented English learning from wherever and whenever a student wants to learn.
“The first week I was given the platform, I put in a lot of hours because I loved it,” he recalls.
Jeffery says the convenience and personalization of the platform are pivotal to his progress. “I had no difficulty using EnGen. I can use it at my own pace at any time I want. I can respect my time and use my phone for 5 minutes just to get in a quick lesson.”
Jeffrey also takes in-person classes at MDC that allow him to interact with his teachers and other students. He uses these interactions to build connections with his community; EnGen complements and reinforces this learning with online lessons, workshops, and live virtual classes.
As someone pursuing a degree and career in teaching, Jeffrey finds EnGen lessons focused on education and pedagogy especially helpful. Among EnGen’s 130+ career-aligned pathways are courses like “English for Early Childhood Education” and “English for STEM Teachers.” But the beauty of the platform, Jeffrey says, is being able to change topics or focus areas based on his particular energy level and mood.
“People change everyday and have different energy and attitudes, so I like that I can change my lesson rapidly.”
The work is paying off. Jeffrey recently completed a semester of MCD’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course. And he says he’s seen a great improvement in his English vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and his ability to communicate.
Jeffrey’s not alone. In our new survey of 2,500 English language learners, 87% reported improved English proficiency and 93% reported more confidence at work and beyond.
For other adult English learners looking to make their own progress, Jeffrey suggests six keys to success with English learning and with EnGen:
Never underestimate learning with this type of program.
Whenever you feel that you are bored or dissociated, change the unit or activities to maintain interest.
Consistency: Interact with the platform every day while you are in the learning process, even if it is for a couple of minutes.
Search for content and units of interest to maintain interest and motivation.
Enjoy the process
Always use a notebook and make personal notes about the content.
EnGen partners with educational institutions, employers, and other workforce partners to serve tens of thousands of adult English learners like Jeffrey. Learn how it can work for your organization: https://getengen.com/demo