I’ve been interested in evolution and our simian ancestors since reading Darwin and Morris in my teens. I also like The Who. Computer programs, when I was young, were noted as generational languages. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.
Our work has evolved and we are approaching the fourth generation of our schools.
1998 – 2000s: The Early Days
Our efforts began in 1998 with a single teacher at home and a mission to provide quality English lessons, primarily to adults. In those early years, around 80% of our students were adults seeking to improve their language skills for personal and professional reasons. The one-on-one teaching approach allowed for a personalised learning experience, catering to each student’s unique needs and goals. Groups were social activities. This period was marked by a close-knit learning environment where the teacher could deeply understand and respond to each learner’s progress and challenges.
2005 – 2015: A Balanced Approach
As we moved into the mid-2000s, our student demographic shifted. By 2005, we were teaching an equal mix of adults and children. This change necessitated a broader approach to our approach and materials. We expanded our curriculum to cater to different learning styles and ages. The solo-teacher-owner model persisted, allowing for continuity and a strong personal connection with each student. We worked to introduce more interactive and engaging activities tailored to younger learners, while maintaining the depth and rigour required by our adult students.
2016 to Now: Embracing Technology and Diversity
Fast forward to 2020, our head school underwent a significant transformation. Today, our focus has shifted predominantly towards teaching children, though we still cater to adult learners. We have expanded our team to include multiple teachers, both foreign and Japanese, bringing a diverse range of offerings, perspectives and teaching styles to our classrooms. This diversity broadens our students’ learning opportunities.
Technology has become an integral part of our approach. We leverage various tech tools to enhance learning, making our lessons more interactive and engaging. From online resources and apps to virtual classrooms and digital portfolios, our students are well-versed in using technology, preparing them for a future where digital literacy is paramount.
Additionally, we have integrated test preparation into our curriculum, recognising the importance of standardised tests in our learners’ lives. However, our approach goes way beyond mere test prep. We aim to connect our students to a world through language, encouraging them to see language learning as a gateway to new cultures, ideas, and opportunities.
Our current offerings emphasise not just language proficiency, but also self-expression, project-based learning, and the development of 21st-century skills. Students work on projects and maintain portfolios, showcasing their progress and achievements. This holistic approach ensures that they are learning English and also critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills.
The Future: Watch This Space – The 4th Generation
As we look to the future, we are excited about the next generation of our school. While details remain under wraps, we focus on today and look to the future. We are committed to staying at the forefront of learning innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of our students and the world around us.
Expect more integration of cutting-edge technology, further diversification of our teaching staff, and an even greater emphasis on skills that prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Our goal is to create a learning environment relevant to the present that prepares and adapts to future needs.
Drawing on Our History
Our history is a testament to our ability to adapt and evolve. From a single-teacher setup focusing on adult learners to a multi-teacher, tech-savvy institution with a wide student base, we have consistently prioritised the needs of our learners. This adaptability has been key to our success and will continue to drive us forward.
Current offerings from Modern English and ME Learning highlight our commitment to providing quality language learning beyond the classroom. We believe in connecting our students to the world through language, fostering proficiency, a love for learning, and a curiosity about the world.
Watch this space as we launch the 4th Generation.