How to GROW your English skills
The GROW model is a coaching framework to help you define your goals and make a plan to achieve them. It can be very helpful for language learners.
Improving your English is a challenging journey, whether you are starting as a beginner or have already reached a good level. While grammar rules and vocabulary lists can help, if you want to make meaningful progress you need to find a process or approach personalised for your own unique goals and learning style. This is where language coaching can make a significant difference.
The GROW model, developed by coach and author John Whitmore in 1992, is a powerful four-step coaching framework that can be really effective for English language learners. It provides a structured approach to identify goals, explore options, and develop an action plan.
What is the GROW Model?
GROW is an acronym that stands for:
Goal: What do you want to achieve?
Reality: Where are you now?
Options: What are your possible action steps?
Will: What will you do? What is the way forward?
How to Apply the GROW Model to English Learning:
In my first coaching session I often use the GROW model to help my clients explore their learning goals. This is a rough outline of the process, but I always like to be flexible by listening and responding to the learner’s needs.
Goal:
Be Specific: Instead of "I want to improve my English," define a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goal. (If you are stuck, I can help you find and work towards a clear goal - I recommend using WOOP goals too)
Example: "I want to be able to confidently give a 10-minute presentation in English at the next client meeting in 3 months."
Identify Underlying Needs: Is there a reason why this is your goal? How important is this goal for you?
Reality:
Assess Current Skills: Honestly evaluate your current English proficiency. What is typical of the situation at the moment?
Identify Challenges: What obstacles did you overcome to get this far? What is still standing in your way towards reaching your goal?
Gather Feedback: Track your progress through asking for feedback or reflecting on your own skills. Who else might this goal affect and what impact might it have on others?
Options:
Explore Possibilities: Brainstorm a wide range of options. What would you like instead of the current situation? What do you need to do to take a step forward? Is there anything else – I encourage you to make a long list of options. What haven’t you tried yet?
Consider the Pros and Cons: Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. You could rank the options or give them a score out of 10 to rate how useful each option could be.
Will:
Create an Action Plan: Develop a concrete plan with specific, measurable steps.
Example: "I will practice speaking English for 15 minutes every day, attend one online conversation class per week, and read 5 pages of an English book every evening."
Identify Support Systems: Who can support you on your journey? (e.g., friends, family, colleagues, your favourite English trainer 😊)
Commit to Action: Schedule time for your English learning activities and make them a non-negotiable part of your routine. You could try James Clear’s (author of best-selling book Atomic Habits) formular for building a habit:
I will (BEHAVIOUR) at (TIME) in (LOCATION).
For example: I will listen to a BBC 6-minute English podcast at 8:00 in the kitchen while I am eating breakfast
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
The Benefits of Using the GROW Model:
Increased Motivation: By setting clear goals and tracking progress, you'll stay motivated and engaged in your learning.
Enhanced Self-Awareness: The model encourages you to reflect on your current skills and identify areas for improvement.
Improved Decision-Making: By exploring various options, you can make informed choices about your learning strategies.
Enhanced Accountability: The action plan helps you stay on track and hold yourself accountable for your progress.
Give it a try yourself and download my GROW template! The visual template takes you through the process step-by-step (und die Fragen sind auch auf Deutsch. Es ist genauso hilfreich, das GROW-Modell in Ihrer Muttersprache durchzuarbeiten).
If you’d like more support, let’s talk. As an experienced business English trainer and language coach, I can guide you through the GROW model and provide personalised coaching tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation
Hello,
I’m Jane Carvell, a business English trainer and language coach. I help German-speaking professionals improve their English communication skills, so that they can build better connections and flourish in an international working world.
