The Acolad blog

Many people approaching India from a strict production economy viewpoint and aiming only to maximize the return on their investment and the predictability of their operations will soon encounter their share of challenges.

For years, we at Acolad have searched for the best ways to measure the results of language training. Most companies and institutions have systems in place to assess the benefits of a function or operation.

Why do native English speakers hate group emails so much? What about info share sessions? Well, it’s because — although most natives don’t realize it — they’re probably following something called the Cooperative Principle, identified in the 1970s by the linguist Paul Grice. Not following the[...]

We all know by now the cardinal sins of presentations: slides with too much text, or a presenter whose idea of presenting is to merely read aloud the text on the slides, or a presenter who gazes at their shoes… The list goes on. But, assuming you’re experienced enough to not be making those[...]

I have been involved in teaching English as a foreign language to both adults and children since 1995. I have taught English in England, Italy and for the last 10½ years in Finland.

In discussions about dyslexia and how it affects language learning – which is of course close to my heart as a language teacher – I am often asked:

“If a student is dyslexic, how should it be taken into account in language learning? Is there something that all dyslexics share in a learning[...]

Although a common phenomenon, dyslexia (also known as “reading disorder”) has not been much written about. At Acolad, we encounter an increasing number of pupils who struggle with learning due to dyslexia.

Over the past few years, the favorite blog subject of all language professionals has been the social media and its impact on the Finnish language. I can't help touching upon this subject either, and adding my piece to the debate.

The ideal balance between learning languages and having fun is a topic which I have discussed many times with my colleagues, both informally and during trainer meetings.

Language learners that are at an intermediate level often complain that they lack the vocabulary to express themselves eloquently. Many feel that they have mastered the basics of grammar and can make themselves understood, but they are constantly stuck using the same words.