If you have been following our recent blog series, you will know we are about to launch a new series of EFL materials. With the release of the Next Generation materials, we are not simply updating our coursebooks, we are meeting the challenge to provide the material that is needed to learn English in a digital world.
Central to this new approach are two methodologies: blended learning and the flipped classroom. Together, these strategies reflect our belief that modern learners thrive best when given the flexibility, autonomy, and support to learn in ways that match their lives, while still benefiting from the human connection that defines inlingua training.
Teaching in Tune with Today
The traditional model of language teaching, where new content is introduced by the teacher in class, then practised independently at home, no longer matches the expectations of today’s learners. The flipped classroom turns this structure on its head: learners first engage with new content on their own, through digital materials, and class time is then dedicated to meaningful interaction and practice. Flipped learning has been found to have “a significant positive impact” on proficiency and research results “demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach over the traditional face-to-face approach.”
Blended learning supports this model by combining in-person or virtual lessons with self-guided online activities, creating a seamlessly integrated learning experience. Learners benefit from flexibility and personalisation, while still being guided by experienced trainers who help bring the language to life.
At inlingua, this shift is not just theoretical. It is embedded into the very structure of our Next Generation courses. Our learners are introduced to vocabulary and grammar topics through my.lab and my.SmartLearning our AI-powered vocabulary trainer on our LMS my.inlingua. By the time they enter the classroom physically or virtually, they are ready to speak, interact, and apply what they’ve learnt.
A Pedagogical Framework for the Future
The new materials have been developed in line with our inlingua DICES Method: Discover, Interact, Communicate, Evaluate, and Solidify. This framework promotes learner engagement at every stage of the journey. The flipped learning model is flexible: learners can choose to explore new language in advance on my.inlingua if it suits their learning style, or they may prefer to complete the first two stages of the DICES Method – Discover and Interact – during their live sessions.
Learners are encouraged to become active participants in their own progress, rather than passive recipients of knowledge. At the same time, it supports trainers by offering a clear, structured approach that allows them to focus on guiding, correcting, and encouraging spontaneous language use.
A Smarter Ecosystem for Smarter Learning
To make this approach work in practice, we have a whole ecosystem of digital tools that support both learners and trainers:
my.inlingua, provides an intuitive platform for additional language practice, content assignment, and progress tracking. my.lab delivers targeted, interactive self-study activities aligned with each unit of the course. And my.SmartLearning offers a personalised vocabulary trainer that uses artificial intelligence to help learners retain what they’ve learned efficiently and effectively.
All of these tools are fully integrated with our course materials, ensuring a coherent and consistent experience for learners across every modality.
Transforming the Role of the Trainer
Blended and flipped approaches do more than change the structure of lessons, they also redefine the role of the trainer. At inlingua, our trainers are facilitators and communicators. With learners arriving better prepared, trainers can focus on guiding conversations, correcting errors, and helping learners refine their fluency in real-time.
This model leads to more dynamic sessions, higher engagement, and more visible progress. It is not about replacing the teacher with technology and AI, it is about elevating their role and ensuring their time is used where it matters most.
Meeting the Needs of the Next Generation
We understand that learners today are balancing busy lives, professional responsibilities, and diverse goals. They are digital natives who expect flexibility, relevance, and real-world application. Our Next Generation materials are designed to meet these expectations while staying true to our core values of quality, communication, and personalised learning.
By combining sound pedagogy with smart technology, we are equipping learners not just to pass tests, but to use language confidently in real life.
As we continue to roll out the Next Generation series across the inlingua network, we remain committed to leading the way in learner-centred, future-ready language training.