The results of a study carried out by the Department of English Teaching at the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Germany are now available. A total of 1038 people took part: 280 students (ages 1-18) and 758 parents. The comprehensive study and subsequent conclusions shows that combining a fun, nurturing environment with advanced coursework and highly trained instructors helps students master the English language at a level appropriate to their age.
The researchers, led by Dr. Professor Heiner Boettger, conducted both quantitative research and qualitative fieldwork. They reported that over 94% of the children interviewed found the courses enjoyable, providing strong motivation for them to take part in lessons and get the most from their course. In addition, the study found that the majority of children remain at Helen Doron for several years, continuing their English studies, which according to the researchers, indicates high levels of satisfaction.
A total of 74% of the students interviewed said that they were better at school because of Helen Doron English. This was confirmed by 95% of the parents interviewed. 71% of the children reported that they are completely confident in speaking English out loud in front of their class and 65% admitted to enjoying taking part in English lessons at school. Further supporting the efficacy of Helen Doron English, 82% of students interviewed were strongly convinced that the courses raised their confidence in their linguistic abilities. 91% said they feel comfortable and secure communicating in English.
The study was based on questionnaires, as well as personal interviews. The questionnaire included questions on the quality of courses and materials offered by Helen Doron Early English, motivation for parents and children participating in the courses, children’s performance at school, languages used at home, and other socially relevant factors. The research report was compiled using empirical, qualitative fieldwork which was carried out at 10 randomly selected Helen Doron Learning Centres throughout Germany.
The objective of the investigation, that was carried out on behalf of Helen Doron Ltd., was to explore how children learn English in the specific context of the Helen Doron Early English Learning Centres, as well as finding how the Helen Doron method impacts the students’ social skills and learning strategies.
The University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt research team noted that the general satisfaction level of Helen Doron English parents stands at over 97%, with 95% remarking on the positive effect the Helen Doron courses had on overall performance of their children at school. This the researchers attribute to the positive emotional elements, such as fun and joy in learning, that are integral in all Helen Doron English courses. The Study states that “Affective factors such as fun and joy in learning are of great importance on a neuropsychological level. Things that are learnt or acquired with a positive feeling will be anchored in the brain on a longer-term basis. The clear focus of the (Helen Doron English) courses toward this is one of their success factors.” Other success factors are small group learning, ongoing teacher training, original and engaging music and materials and an extremely high level of personal attention. As of December 2012, over 1.5 million children have studied with Helen Doron English.
View Dr. Prof. Boettger highlighting the findings of the study
