The ENL Program
Philippine International English Institute is the first to create and develop the ENL Program. The ENL (English as Native Language) Program is different from the ESL Programs. Our non-native English students have shown that the ENL Program is very effective in improving students’ English level and their thinking process. The program trains students to learn English 100% as native speakers do. Classes are conducted using English as the only language of instruction. English lessons on rules and concepts are minimal, while there is a heavy focus on enhancing students’ creativity, judgment, analytical skills, knowledge, and understanding of various concepts in English. Thus, they naturally learn the language as they develop the skills to collect, analyze and present different information.
This method is identical to how everyone learns their native language. Native speakers learn English not only through grammar or structured English classes. They actually learn more about the language by discussing and debating with friends, reading novels and biographies, and being exposed to various forms of media that discuss social issues and a wide range of subject matters.
Evolution of the ENL Program
Most English learning has heavily focused on the grammatical aspects of the language. The drawback has become more evident worldwide. Students fail to participate in simple English conversations with others, even after studying the language for years. English education focusing only on conversation would also have its limits. It may help students travel or live abroad for a short period, but it would not help them collect, analyze and deliver the information available to be competitive in this world. The educational systems have changed to enable students to interact when they live abroad using everyday survival English. Hence, there is no need for students to invest so much time and money in basic conversational English.
English skills that enable students to be competitive contributors to society are what is truly needed. The skills to collect information, analyze them, and deliver ideas through reports, presentations, and other means in English are essential. It involves listening, grammar, writing, conversation, analyzing, compiling specialized knowledge, etc. One needs a lot of time, an effective program, and appropriate workbooks to reach a satisfying level in all areas. However, in reality, English academies in Asia are not planning to adjust their curriculum, employ professional teachers, and have an excellent program that could fulfill students’ expectations of fluency.
Our academy has implemented a different approach to English learning after thoroughly noticing the flaws (i.e. students can join simple conversations, but cannot comprehend, write presentable essays, digest information provided in various forms of the language the way native speakers do) of existing forms of English learning. The ENL program has enabled students to achieve a high level of fluency with our one teacher, one student (1:1) classes, customized programs, variety of learning materials, and professional and goal-oriented teachers.
ENL vs ESL Program
ESL is a program for those learning English as a second language. All forms of English education for non-native speakers are under ESL. All existing English learning programs in Korea and other Asian countries are under ESL. It focuses on improving non-native English speakers’ skills to translate and associate non- English words and sentences to English. It argues to realize students’ goals through little time and effort. Its advantage is that students can show improvement after a short period of time. The disadvantage is that the students’ improvement is limited.
The ENL program was developed after becoming aware of the flaws and limitations of the ESL programs. With ENL, even if we have sufficient knowledge about a subject matter, we would have to learn it again through English. It focuses on gaining knowledge in English and building critical thinking skills while learning the language naturally throughout the process. In short, students do not memorize and substitute words based on grammatical structure rules. Through the program, students learn English the way they learned their native language. The disadvantage is that the study load is quite heavy and a lot of time and effort is needed to develop the program for each student. Its advantage is that students can achieve the same English proficiency as native speakers. There is no limit to what a student can achieve through the program. Beyond the simple use of English, students can utilize the language in any form or situation to achieve their goals.