Standard teaching methods are not enough anymore to attract customers, so try to incorporate into your methodology some elements that will give you added value compared to the offer of other schools.
Internet brought about much better access to knowledge about teaching methods. Customers also receive their share of such knowledge, helping them choose language schools more consciously than in the past. So today it does not suffice to provide just sound teaching, because course participants expect something more.
Say goodbye to routine – a good textbook with CD-ROMs and exercises should be just a starting point for an interesting course programme. Review critically the textbooks you use and replace topics not well developed with alternative, more interesting materials. Try to design each class in such a way that it becomes unique and breaks the mould.
Additional materials – use of additional materials is one of the easiest to use – but still frequently left out – methods to diversify the class. Fragments of film or songs, radio and television news, current articles from press and Internet – it is worthwhile persuading your course instructors to reach for them as frequently as possible.
Native speakers – invite them for cooperation whenever possible. If native speakers conduct e.g. half of the classes, they will not be prohibitively expensive. If permanent cooperation is not possible, try to organise an event during which course participants from various groups can speak with a native speaker.
On-line learning – when planning teaching methods to be used in your school, it is worthwhile incorporating e-learning, particularly because on-line learning tools are becoming ever cheaper and more accessible. Owing to them students can e.g. follow on ongoing basis their progress, have access to additional materials and exercises or take part in classes remotely. These are of course just a few examples, as the possibilities are almost endless …
New technologies – as technology enters ever more daringly into our lives, why not use it in foreign language teaching? A good example is comprised by multimedia presentations, which – by combining images, text and sound – help memorise information faster than when only a single medium is used.
Proprietary teaching method – a proprietary method of foreign language teaching will help you stand out against competition. It is worthwhile considering one but only provided it is not purely declarative. Methodology of foreign language teaching is a field of knowledge that constantly develops. So this is a great resource to draw from and base your own ideas on. When developing such a method make sure you keep up with the latest achievements in the field of methodology.
Turn-key teaching methods – development of a proprietary method may take years, and besides such effort can turn out to be like preaching to the converted … An interesting alternative can be comprised by purchasing a licence to a turn-key teaching method. Owing to such purchase you can focus on the organisation, promotion and development of the school. An additional benefit is also comprised by the fact that when using a turn-key method we are supported by its prestige and make it easier for customers to know what they can expect of us.
Classes outside school – an element invigorating the teaching methods in our school, owing to which we can easily promote and communicate to our customers the classes organised outside school. This can be an one-off promotional event or a longer trip, e.g. to a language camp.
Remember: the saying that one satisfied customer „brings” three new ones, while one dissatisfied customer discourages ten, is particularly true for language schools. So focus on teaching quality and make sure to break the mould during classes.