Abstract
In today’s global digital economy, strong English communication skills are essential for success. This report by LearnJam explores how to design effective English courses for digital freelancers in Palestine, especially in Gaza and the West Bank. It highlights the language challenges freelancers face and offers practical recommendations to improve their skills and employability.
The research shows that English is not only important for writing emails and proposals but also for real-time communication, negotiation, and teamwork. Many learners in the EnglishLance program have strong writing skills but struggle with speaking and grammar. The report recommends a blended learning approach, combining online and face-to-face instruction, to support different learning styles and improve access.
Key suggestions include:
- Clear learning goals for each course level
- Real-world tasks that reflect freelance work
- Opportunities for speaking practice with international clients
- Better placement assessments using CEFR benchmarks
- A training-of-trainers (TOT) program to improve teaching quality
The report also emphasises the importance of intercultural communication and using digital platforms like Google Classroom and social media for learning and interaction.
This investigation is part of the @Palestine project and aims to support economic development through digital skills. By improving English training, Palestinian freelancers can better compete in the global market and access more job opportunities.
Citation
LearnJam. (2021). An investigation into how best to design an English course for digital freelancers in Palestine. British Council.