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Common Questions
Learners
Instructors
Leaders

Common Learner Questions

  • How do I know which class to attend?
    • Use the information below to identify which class is best for you.
      • EnglishConnect 1 Entry Requirements: Literate in your native language, read basic English words
      • EnglishConnect 2 Entry Requirements: Literate in your native language, read basic English sentences, ask and answer simple conversation questions
      • EnglishConnect 3 Entry Requirements: Achieve an intermediate-low score on the placement assessment at registration; basic reading, writing, listening, and conversation skills
  • EnglishConnect courses come with a plan to help you practice English 10+ hours every week and keep track of your practice time. Use this plan to record the hours you spend practicing and to track your progress.

    • Employment
    • Academics
    • Community
    • Service
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2: Contact a local member or missionary from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    EnglishConnect 3: Find a location here.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 groups meet for 25 weeks. EnglishConnect 3 groups meet for 14 weeks. You can choose to repeat a course.
  • It takes time and practice to develop the habits and skills associated with these courses. Group members also support one another, and they often develop close relationships over the length of the course.
  • For EnglishConnect 1&2, you can purchase a manual for your course at store.churchofjesuschrist.org. You can also find electronic versions here, or on the Gospel Library mobile app.
  • First, let your teacher know that you plan to miss a meeting. Next, review the material for that week and try to do the homework. Check in with a classmate, even if you miss the meeting.
  • Yes. You can repeat any EnglishConnect course. Some learners will want to repeat a course in order to achieve their study goals.
  • Contact your teacher or the specialist assigned to EnglishConnect.

Common Teacher Questions

  • Listening Practice Videos can be found on the Teacher Materials page.
  • EnglishConnect is a family of English-language learning products provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The purpose of EnglishConnect is to help learners develop English proficiency in an environment of fellowship and faith. As learners develop English proficiency, they will have increased opportunities for employment, education, service, and friendship.
  • This is discouraged. The length and content of each course was designed for specific outcomes and groups are encouraged to follow the material as written. However, some of the content relevancy may vary or there may be other compelling local needs. Check with the specialist before making changes.
  • Your role is to create an environment where learners feel comfortable speaking English. You will help learners most when you invite them to focus on speaking English throughout the class. You can do this by setting an example. You should speak English at all times. Use simple words and short sentences. Speak slowly and repeat often. Write key words and phrases on the board. Avoid long explanations and translating everything you say. If learners need help, invite them to use their resources and help one another. Be encouraging. Invite learners to take risks and speak as much English as they can. Help them experience success and praise their efforts. Learners should be speaking 80% of the class session. As you focus on helping learners learn by doing, you will have less and less need to use the native language.
  • Do your best to use as much English as possible. You can help learners by writing a few key words and phrases on the board. You can also help learners feel more comfortable by inviting learners to study the lesson at home in English and their native language before they come to class.
  • When there are minors in a class and there are not two responsible adults present, NO class can be held. Similarly, no adult can work alone, one on one, with a minor. These rules are for the protection of all.
  • At the beginning of class, invite learners to review their My English Practice Plan with a classmate and make plans to support each other in the upcoming week. During class, identify learners who need additional support and help them connect with a classmate who can help. At the end of class, invite learners to act in faith to accomplish their daily practice goals.
    • It may be helpful to create a shared group using What’s App, or other common communication platform. During the week, share messages and invitations with the group.
    • Any follow-up with minor students outside of class must be through parents.
  • Limit the amount of time you spend reviewing vocabulary and discussing grammar. The majority of class time should be spent helping learners practice conversation activities in small groups or pairs.
  • Your focus should be on helping learners practice English conversation. Any explanations about grammar should be simple and concise. You can avoid lengthy explanations by providing 4-5 quick examples and inviting learners to continue practicing. Learners can use online resources outside of class to find their answers. Remember, it is more effective to learn by practicing the language, instead of talking about the language.
  • Invite learners to memorize vocabulary before class. They can use online resources to learn meaning and pronunciation. At the beginning of class, have learners work in pairs to review the vocabulary for a few minutes. Do not spend time drilling vocabulary - learners will remember words better as they use them in the conversation activities.
  • If a learner arrives late to class, invite a classmate to help him/her participate in the current activity.
    • If a learner joins the course after the first class, take time before or after class to warmly welcome the new learner. Invite a classmate to help him/her understand the course and prepare for the next class.
  • Remind students of the suggestions and resources that are found in the student manual under “My English Practice Plan”. Follow up each week.

    Invite students to use the online resources at englishconnect.org/learner resources.

    Other suggestions include:
    Use Church resources in the Gospel Library app to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • No. The materials provide the expertise. Your role is to love the learners, and create an environment of fellowship and faith. Learners need your positive attitude, encouragement, and enthusiasm. As you prayerfully seek the Spirit and strive to understand the needs of each learner, you will be guided to help learners feel confident and successful. Training resources are available on the Teacher Training page. Learn more.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 conversation classes typically meet once a week for 25 weeks. These classes are usually 90 minutes in length. Learners can choose to repeat a course.
    • EnglishConnect 3 groups typically meet once a week for 14 weeks. Classes currently follow the same semester schedule as BYU-Pathway Worldwide and BYU-Idaho. The weekly gatherings are usually 90 minutes in length. Learners can choose to repeat the course for multiple semesters.
  • This is determined at a local level based on teacher availability and facility scheduling.
  • Groups should always be under the direction of local leaders. Members and missionaries can start EnglishConnect groups, under the direction of local leaders. Group members may be invited to participate, or they can join a group on their own. Groups often form through a devotional, but they can also form without a devotional. At least two adult teachers are assigned to each group.
  • A few weeks before your first group meeting, you will be contacted by the specialist or leader assigned to EnglishConnect and invited to attend teacher training. This will help you understand the role of a teacher, how to teach, and other responsibilities you have. If you’d like to read ahead, you can find the teacher training resources here.
  • EnglishConnect conversation groups typically meet in church buildings. Work with your specialist or local leader to get access to the building.
  • You can find electronic versions of the books and links to all of the videos here. It’s a good idea to download the videos for your conversation group ahead of time because wireless networking might not always be reliable. Work with your specialist to have enough copies of the manuals for your group members.
  • Ask your assistant/fellow teacher to teach the class in your absence. Invite another adult member of the group to help the assistant teacher.
  • You might need to postpone the class. Notify your specialist. Under these circumstances, some groups have taken more than 25 weeks to complete their course.
  • Sometimes this happens. Work together with your group to invite this person to the next meeting. Help the person’s classmates offer support and encouragement. Try to understand what might be going on in this person’s life that could be making it hard for them to participate.
  • Sharing is a natural part of self-reliance groups, but sometimes someone might talk so much that others seem reluctant to share. It can be helpful to talk with that person one-on-one, outside of a group meeting. Explain what you are observing and how you think it is affecting the group. Ask the person to share any concerns, and see if you can agree on a solution that will help all class members participate.
  • Before the final class, work with your specialist to print the participation certificates, fill them out and get them signed. At the final group meeting, distribute the certificates.

    After the final class, the teacher or specialist will complete the End of Group report at srs.churchofjesuschrist.org/register.
  • Everyone is welcome at EnglishConnect conversation classes. Work with all of your group members to help them feel welcome. Be sensitive to the perspective and understanding of people from different faiths. It might help to explain some scriptures and quotes that are specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It may also be necessary to adjust some of the faith-based commitments.

Common Leader Questions

  • EnglishConnect is a family of English-language learning products provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The purpose of EnglishConnect is to help learners develop English proficiency in an environment of fellowship and faith. As learners develop English proficiency, they will have increased opportunities for employment, education, service, and friendship.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 learners surveyed in 2018-2019 report the following:
    • 95% satisfaction, with 80% likely to sign up for another EnglishConnect class.
    • 90% report EnglishConnect is helpful or very helpful in preparing for other educational opportunities
    • 88% report instructor very or extremely effective; 91% report instructor’s English sufficient
    • Primary benefits of EnglishConnect include low-cost resources, quality of the materials, and the spiritually-centered experience
  • Learning English can significantly increase a person’s opportunities for employment, education, and service. In countries where English is not the native language, natives who speak English can earn 30-50% higher salaries (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/the-link-between-english-and-economics; https://hbr.org/2013/11/countries-with-better-english-have-better-economies).

    In English-speaking countries, immigrants and refugees who learn English are better able to find employment, access healthcare, take advantage of education opportunities, and integrate with the community (https://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/language/data/acs/PAA_2005_AbilityandEarnings.pdf).
  • You play a critical role in establishing the vision of EnglishConnect in your area. Please read and follow the instructions in the implementation guide. Learn more.
  • EnglishConnect teachers are individuals with intermediate-level English-speaking proficiency. EnglishConnect teachers love the learners and are positive, enthusiastic, and dependable. Please refer to the implementation guide for more information. Learn more.
  • Specialists provide initial vision and operational training for the teachers. Specialists support teachers in reviewing the teacher training resources. Teachers may want to meet together periodically in teacher council meetings to learn together and support one another.
  • Each course has a teacher manual and a learner manual. Manuals are available for download or can be purchased from Church Distribution. Please refer to the implementation guide and the course resources page. Learn more.
  • Manuals can be downloaded from the website or ordered from Church Distribution. Learn more.
  • Local units and mission can determine if they will pay the cost of print materials or if learners will pay for their own manuals. Learners can order the manuals directly from Church Distribution. Learn more.
  • Please refer to the implementation guide for information. Learn more.
  • Learning a language is not easy. It requires consistent effort, patience, and faith. You can help by expressing faith, providing encouragement, and following up to ensure success. Please refer to the implementation guide for information.
  • EnglishConnect is an initiative sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It began as part of the global education initiative and continues as a collaborative effort between the Church Educational System, Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, and the Missionary Department. EnglishConnect classes began outside of North America and are now available worldwide. Thousands of people have joined EnglishConnect classes and are benefiting from the unique opportunity to learn English in an environment of fellowship and faith.
  • Many people around the world face obstacles to learning English including cost, distance, time, self-doubt, and access. EnglishConnect provides a solution to obstacles such as cost, distance, time, self-doubt, and access. EnglishConnect provides a unique opportunity for learners to develop English proficiency in a gospel-centered environment. Learners who achieve course outcomes will expand their opportunities for employment, service, and education – especially through BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

    • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 conversation classes are taught by members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the direction of local Church leaders. Ideally, local Church leaders and mission presidents will collaborate to identify needs and organize classes. Local Church leaders may delegate administration of EnglishConnect 1 & 2 classes to the self-reliance committee or assigned specialist.
    • EnglishConnect 3 classes are provided through BYU-Pathway Worldwide in coordination with the Area Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager and local leaders.

    • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 classes are taught by local Church members and missionaries. Ideally, local Church leaders and mission presidents will collaborate to identify needs and organize classes. In areas where stakes or wards are providing EnglishConnect 1 & 2 classes, English-speaking missionaries could serve as assistant instructors. In areas where stakes or wards are not providing EnglishConnect classes, mission presidents may choose to assign a mission English specialist to supervise the implementation of EnglishConnect with English-speaking missionaries as teachers.
    • EnglishConnect 3 classes are facilitated by members or missionaries.

    • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 conversation classes typically meet once a week for 25 weeks. These classes are usually 90 minutes in length. Learners can choose to repeat a course.
    • EnglishConnect 3 groups typically meet once a week for 14 weeks. Classes currently follow the same semester schedule as BYU-Pathway Worldwide and BYU-Idaho. The weekly gatherings are usually 90 minutes in length. Learners can choose to repeat the course for multiple semesters.
  • Currently, EnglishConnect courses are non-credit bearing. However, EnglishConnect 3 curriculum is designed to prepare learners for success in PathwayConnect, the initial courses offered by BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

    • EnglishConnect 1 & 2: Participants should be at least 11 years of age, and all minors must submit a parental consent form. Ideally, local leaders and mission presidents will collaborate to identify needs and organize classes. EnglishConnect classes are most effective when leaders, members, and missionaries work together to support classes and invite friends and family members to attend.
    • EnglishConnect 3: Participants should be at least 11 years of age, and all minors must submit a parental consent form. Learners can register directly. Learn more.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2: Yes, of course. Be sensitive to the perspective and understanding of people from different faiths. It might help to explain some scriptures and quotes that are specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It may also be necessary to adjust some of the faith-based commitments.
  • EnglishConnect teachers love the learners and are positive, enthusiastic, and dependable. EnglishConnect teachers focus on helping learners interact and feel confident. The materials provide the expertise, and the teacher’s role is to follow the Spirit and cultivate an environment of fellowship and faith. Training resources are available. Learn more.
  • Enrollment and participation data will be tracked through the online Self-Reliance Services group registration tool. The self-reliance specialist or teacher should register and track the group at srs.churchofjesuschrist.org/register.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 materials can be downloaded or ordered from Church Distribution. Learn More.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2: At the conclusion of the course, leaders can award each learner who has consistently attended the classes with a participation certificate. Specialists or teachers will distribute the certificates.

    Note: This is only a participation recognition. EnglishConnect 1 & 2 classes are not certified courses and do not award university credits. (thumbnail and PDF)

    EnglishConnect 3: At the conclusion of the course, learners can achieve a certificate of completion based on their performance in the course.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 teachers can be called or assigned. This should be decided by local leadership.
  • EnglishConnect 1 & 2 teachers are typically called or assigned by local leadership. When extending the call or assignment, it is helpful if leaders can share some information about the calling. This webpage contains helpful information about being a teacher.
  • At the beginning of an EnglishConnect 1 & 2 class, the teacher completes the Group Registration Report at srs.churchofjesuschrist.org/register.

For all EnglishConnect programs, the following terms apply instead of the BYU Privacy Notice at the bottom of the page:

EnglishConnect Terms of Participation | Terms of Use | Privacy Notice