With over two decades of experience teaching English, I’ve seen first-hand how its role has evolved in people’s lives worldwide. However, I’ve also been alarmed by how teaching methods have changed—and not for the better! Through my observations, I’ve developed strong opinions about the flaws in today’s mainstream English teaching approach.

• One of my biggest concerns is the increasing infantilization of the teaching process, especially over the past decade. This is baffling! The more crucial English becomes globally—particularly for the younger generation striving to succeed in a highly competitive international market—the more simplified and childish the teaching methods have become.

• Let me give you an example. The length of lessons for adults has steadily decreased. Nowadays, it’s considered completely acceptable, even “cool,” for well-educated professionals—intellectuals who are more than capable of focusing for two or three hours— requesting lessons lasting just 20 minutes. When I ask why they prefer such short sessions, they often seem surprised, as if no one has questioned it before.

• I’m not saying every learning session needs to be two hours long; in fact, I believe that one-hour sessions are optimal. But 20 or 30 minutes? Seriously? What meaningful learning can happen in such a short time? You probably spend more time deciding on takeout order from your favourite restaurant than dedicating yourself to learning a language you say is essential for your career.

• Unfortunately, the trend of shortening lessons and presenting learning as pure entertainment or a quick fix, has done a disservice to millions of people who need English for their careers, education, or promotions. Teachers who promote these “quick-fix” sessions and “piece-of-cake” learning are not helping; they’re undermining the seriousness of language learning and the commitment it requires.

• The era of mediocrity in English teaching is over. Mediocre teaching has been tolerated for too long. Vague grammar drills and irrelevant vocabulary lists have proven to be ineffective, even after years of study. My courses are designed to eliminate the fluff and focus on what truly matters: sharp, targeted, results-oriented training that transforms your English from average to extraordinary.

In the next lesson, I’ll share some of the most common complaints my students have when they first come to me—and how I address them.