Etiqueta: ECR inglés

Blog, Ciencias Transversales
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agosto 14, 2025

Practice English at ECR: Spaces and Digital Tools for Our Community

At Escuela Colombiana de Rehabilitación (ECR), English is more than just a language—it’s a bridge to opportunity. Whether you’re a teacher preparing for global research, an administrative staff member supporting bilingual processes, a student seeking international connections, or a friend of the institution curious about new learning paths, learning English opens doors to professional growth, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning.

This September, ECR’s teachers and administrative staff will take the English Placement Test—a key step in strengthening our collective language skills. However, learning does not end with the test: thanks to digital tools, you can continue to practice English anytime, anywhere.  

Practice English Anytime: Digital Tools That Work for You

Not everyone has time to attend in-person events or go to class at a language center, and that is okay. With today’s technology, you can practice English from anywhere—your desk, on your commute, or even during your lunch break. Here are two powerful platforms that make learning English flexible, effective, and enjoyable.

Babbel: Learn with Structure and Simplicity

If you are looking for organized and effective learning, Babbel is a top choice. With lessons designed to last just 10-15 minutes, it is easy to stay consistent and keep improving your skills through practice. You will be able to choose your level, focus on specific skills like grammar or vocabulary, and track your progress over time.

On this app, you will find the following key features:

  • Short, practical lessons for busy schedules
  • Organized learning paths from beginner to advanced levels
  • Real-life dialogues and pronunciation practice

Whether you’re trying to remember basic vocabulary and structures or preparing for professional communication, Babbel helps you build a strong foundation. It’s especially useful for ECR staff and faculty who want to improve their English for academic and administrative tasks.

Ready to begin? Visit Babbel’s official website and start your journey today.

Duolingo: Turn Learning Into a Game

For those who prefer a playful approach to learning, Duolingo is a go-to app. With colorful visuals, interactive exercises, and friendly reminders, Duolingo turns language learning into a daily habit that feels more like a game than a chore.

Why it works

  • Most features are completely free
  • Available on mobile and desktop
  • Exercises for vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading

Bonus: The Duolingo English Podcast offers real-life stories in English with Spanish explanations and transcripts to help you follow along and increase your vocabulary.

Duolingo is ideal for learners of all levels, especially those who enjoy taking their time to study on their own. It’s a great way to build confidence and reinforce what you’ve learned in class or through other platforms. Explore Duolingo at www.duolingo.com or listen to the podcast on your favorite streaming service.

Learning and Growing Together at ECR

At ECR, we believe that learning English is a shared journey. It is not only about passing a test, but also about broadening our horizons, improving our communication, and connecting with the world. Whether you’re preparing for academic research, supporting bilingual students, or simply curious about new cultures, English empowers you to want to know more.

Here’s how these tools can support our community

With technological tools like Babbel and Duolingo, you can integrate English into your daily routine without interfering with your busy schedule. Whether you prefer structured lessons or spontaneous practice, there is a path for you.

English is more than a skill—it is a gateway to new ideas, new people, and new possibilities. At ECR, we’re proud to foster a community where everyone feels welcome to learn, grow, and thrive.

Take the Next Step

Let’s make English part of our everyday lives. Let’s build confidence, share knowledge, and open doors – together at the Escuela Colombiana de Rehabilitación.

Escrito por:
Componente Comunicativo de Ciencias Transversales de la ECR

Blog
|
junio 5, 2025

Level Up Your English: How Games and Dynamic Activities Make Learning Fun and Effective

Learning English doesn’t have to mean sitting quietly in a classroom, memorizing vocabulary lists, or filling out endless grammar worksheets. In fact, some of the most effective—and enjoyable—ways to master a new language happen when you’re up, moving, and having fun. Games and dynamic activities are powerful tools in language learning, transforming what could be a routine lesson into an engaging, memorable experience that motivates students to participate and communicate.

Why Games Work in Language Learning

When we play games, we naturally engage more deeply with the material. Activities like charades, hangman, spelling bees, and word puzzles aren’t just entertaining – they’re carefully designed to reinforce language skills in a way that feels authentic and exciting. For example:

  • Charades and Pictionary help learners connect words with actions or images, strengthening memory and comprehension by linking language to real-life contexts.
  • Hangman and spelling bees challenge students to recall vocabulary, analyze spelling patterns, and use strategic thinking, all while working under a bit of friendly pressure.
  • Word association games encourage quick thinking and help learners build connections between vocabulary, improving fluency and conversational understanding.

The benefits of these activities go far beyond just learning new words. Interactive games create a low-pressure environment where students can practice speaking, listening, and problem-solving without the fear of making mistakes. This playful setting enhances creativity and confidence, essential ingredients for mastering a second language.

The Rise of the Activity -Based Curriculum

Modern language teaching increasingly embraces what’s called an “activity curriculum”. This approach prioritizes interactive, student-centered activities over traditional lectures or rote memorization. The idea is simple: when students are actively involved—whether through role-playing, group discussions, or language games—they’re more likely to retain what they learn and use it effectively in real-life situations. These activities are designed to reflect everyday scenarios, so learners can practice everyday tasks like:

  • Ordering food
  • Asking for directions
  • Debating a topic

The ECR Squid Game Event

A useful example of this approach in action was our recent ECR Squid Game event. Inspired by the popular series, we set up a series of English language challenges across different stations: hangman, spelling bee, Guess Who, and Broken Lines. Each game focused on a specific skill—vocabulary, spelling, sentence structure, and critical thinking—while keeping the energy high and the competition friendly.

Students worked in teams, racing against the clock and cheering each other on. The result? Not only did everyone have a fantastic time, but they also practiced English in ways that felt meaningful and memorable.

Making Learning Playful

What makes this kind of event so effective is the combination of engagement, authenticity, collaboration, and creativity. Students are motivated to participate because the activities are fun and competitive. The games mimic real-life situations, so the language practice feels relevant. Working in teams encourages communication and peer learning, while the variety of challenges keeps everyone on their toes and thinking creatively.

However, you don’t have to wait for a special event to experience the benefits of gamified learning. Incorporating games and dynamic activities into everyday English practice—whether it’s a quick round of word association at the start of class or a group role-play exercise—can make a huge difference in motivation and progress. The more you play, the more you learn, and the more confident you become in using English in any situation.

Conclusion: Play to Learn

So next time you’re looking for a way to boost your English skills, remember: a little bit of play can go a long way. Whether you’re acting out a scene, solving a puzzle, or competing in a spelling bee, you’re not just having fun—you’re increasing your language proficiency, gaining communication confidence, and making meaningful memories along the way.

Escrito por:
Ángela López
Docente de Inglés del Componente Comunicativo de Ciencias Transversales de la ECR