Higher Learning Group

We’re "snow" excited to wish you a Merry Christmas! ⛄💙 Thank you for learning, laughing, and growing with us this year.

Happy National Cookie Day! Celebrate with one of our students’ favorite traditional treats- yakgwa (약과), delicious Korean honey cookies.

Yakgwa (Korean honey cookies) 약과 Koreans have been making and eating these beautifully juicy, crumbly, layered cookies for more than a thousand years! Traditionally we had them only on special occasions and ceremonies, but you can make them whenever you feel like. Why not??

From coast to coast, our teachers continue to inspire with their commitment to students. We appreciate everything you do.

We’re thrilled to be part of the WITESOL Fall Conference on November 8th- looking forward to learning, connecting, and growing together in the ESL community!

Do your students have a case of the English exam scaries? One effective way to help students prepare is by teaching them to read the questions before the audio starts. In the exam, students get time to read 3 questions related to a conversation. Train them to:

- Underline keywords in the questions (e.g., names, places, times, intentions).
- Predict the topic or possible answers before they hear the conversation.
- Listen for tone and implied meaning, not just vocabulary. TOEIC loves to test “what is implied” rather than “what is said.”

Did you know adults can actually learn languages faster than kids?
While children may pick up pronunciation more naturally, motivated adult learners grasp vocabulary and grammar faster.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Tip: Highlight this fact to boost your adult students' confidence! Need ideas for motivating adults? Try incorporating real-life tasks like mock interviews or travel role-plays—they build purpose and vocabulary together.

Keep reminding them: It’s never too late to learn.

Did you know that bilingual learners literally build more gray matter in the regions responsible for attention and memory? You’re not just teaching vocabulary-you’re rewiring brains for the better.

✨ Teaching Tip: Include memory-boosting strategies like spaced repetition or retrieval practice in class to take full advantage of the brain’s neuroplasticity.

Want to help students with the most common word in English? Here’s a quick guide to teaching “a,” “an,” and “the”- great for reviewing definite and indefinite articles: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/parts-of-speech/articles/

Do you ever notice that your students speak beautifully in controlled textbook practice but freeze during free-talking classes? Don't worry- this is common! Don't forget to give positive feedback on effort, even if the results aren't perfect.

Understanding your students’ motivations can transform your teaching. Whether it’s for job opportunities, studying abroad, or boosting confidence, tailoring lessons to these goals helps students stay engaged and feel seen.

✅ Try this in class:
Ask your students why they want to improve their English. Then, link your lesson objective to one of their reasons.

Work from home teaching English with us! Learn more and apply online at www.hlgenglish.com/careers