Is the 70-20-10 method really effective for language learning?
Human resources departments are constantly looking for effective ways to improve their employees' language skills.
Among innovative teaching approaches, the 70-20-10 method stands out as a particularly suitable strategy for in-company language courses.
In this article, we explore this method and highlight its significant impact on language learning in a professional context.
Understanding the 70-20-10 method
This approach is a learning framework based on a specific distribution of time devoted to skills acquisition. Originally devised by researcher Morgan McCall, the model divides training time as follows:
- 70% of learning comes from practical experience.
- 20% informal learning through social interaction.
- 10% formal learning, such as structured courses.
Let's dive in!
70% experiential learning
In the context of in-company language courses, the 70% can be seen in:
- Practical tasks.
- Real-life scenarios.
Learners have the opportunity to put their language skills into practice directly in scenarios linked to their professional environment and missions. For example:
- Simulated meetings.
- Presentations in the target language.
- Email exchanges in the foreign language.
20% social learning
In-person social interactions play a crucial role in the development of language skills. Learners can benefit from informal learning through:
- Chatting with colleagues.
- Linguistic partnerships.
- Foreign-language discussion groups.
Alongside language classes, these can help develop:
- Linguistic fluency.
- Adaptability.
- Cultural understanding.
All essential aspects in a multicultural professional environment.
10% formal learning
In-person structured courses, whether delivered face-to-face or online, form the formal part of the 70-20-10 method. These structured sessions provide a solid theoretical foundation, covering grammar, company-specific vocabulary and other fundamental aspects. The formal courses provide an organised framework and complement experiential learning and social learning.
Why is the 70-20-10 method effective for in-company language courses?
Immediate contextualisation
The power of the 70-20-10 method lies in its ability to immediately contextualise language skills. By placing learners in real-life professional situations, they not only acquire language skills, but also develop the confidence to use these skills in their day-to-day professional lives.
Dynamic social learning
This method's social dimension creates a dynamic learning environment. Constant interaction with the trainer, colleagues and peers encourages natural communication. Learners are exposed to different accents, communication styles and linguistic nuances, enhancing their adaptability in a variety of professional contexts.
Reducing linguistic barriers
By integrating experience into everyday activities, the perceived barrier between formal learning in language classes and interactive everyday practice is reduced. Learners no longer see a foreign language as an isolated skill to be acquired, but as an essential tool in their professional toolbox.
Long-term retention
The 70-20-10 method's global approach encourages long-term linguistic retention. By experimenting, interacting socially and attending formal classes, learners build stronger cognitive connections, which reinforces the memorisation and practical application of language knowledge.
Combining the 70-20-10 method with total customisation: the key to success
The 70-20-10 method is an excellent way of facilitating learning during in-company language courses, thanks to a personalised approach based on each employee's sector of activity and mission.
To make the learning process smoother and faster, adapting to learning preferences and language level will go further:
- Adapting to learning preferences means that the right teaching methods can be selected for each learner, reducing training time by an average of 20%.
- Adapting to the language level helps to keep the learner in a positive frame of mind, monitor progress and keep them motivated.
The Speak'Pro method: combining 70-20-10 and learning preferences
The 70-20-10 method is a powerful lever for improving language skills in the workplace. By integrating practical experience, social learning and formal courses, this approach offers a relevant solution for in-company language courses. Combined with an analysis of learning preferences, it becomes a global method for accelerating learning.
In this way, human resources departments can maximise the effectiveness of their language training programmes by promoting integrated, contextualised learning that is conducive to the sustainable development of their employees.
The Speak'Pro method combines the 70-20-10 approach, MyLEA learning preference analysis and language assessment to offer language courses that are 100% tailored to employees' needs. Find out more on our website.
