ESL in the Philippines has been very relevant since the Americans came to the country. Most reference books in Philippine schools were written in English. Major subject areas like Mathematics, Science and Social Studies are being taught in English but most Filipinos have English as their second language not their first. It is logical to say that teachers of these subjects should be at the same time ESL teachers, knowing the principles of ESL teaching. Unfortunately, that is not happening. Connective would like to make that happen which is why this company was established.
On top of that, ESL learning and teaching has been more in demand recently due to the influx of foreigners especially Koreans coming to the Philippines. We believe in providing the best principles in ESL learning and teaching. It is possible to say that Filipinos can teach English to their fellowmen effectively even other Asians if they can be properly trained!
Connective was started in March 2005 by Mrs. Mirzah Betia-Torres, a BS Development Communication graduate from University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna with Education units from the U.P. Diliman, Quezon City and taking her MA in Language Studies at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
Mrs. Torres has been in the field of education for more than 20 years. She had numerous teaching, training and administrative work experiences in ESL in all levels. Mrs. Torres has been the CEO and the main trainer of Connective since its establishment. A part of her experience was being an ESL teacher and ESL Teacher Supervisor for five years at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center (PRPC), which provided an educational program for Indochinese refugees for their smooth transition to US schools. Mrs. Torres supervised and trained teachers on effective teaching methodologies. She had the privilege to be trained by experts from the US, Canada and Australia since the project was funded by the US State Department. After her intensive training in PRPC, she managed her own daycare and preschool for ten years using a language – based program that she herself created. She has also been a consultant/teacher at the International School, Los Baños. After this broad work experience, she decided to share her expertise on ESL to others through Connective.
Our vision
Connective was established with a vision to help improve the quality of English as Second Language (ESL) learning and teaching in the Philippines and in other parts of the world. We want our trainees to be recognized as highly qualified ESL teachers; equipped with validated teaching principles that have been proven effective through the years.
Connective also wants to be recognized as the best language center that provides communicative language teaching approach where students acquire Basic English language in just a matter of 3 weeks. Ultimately, we want the Philippines to be known as the best place to learn English.
Our experience
Connective Language and Training Center has a rich and strong foundation. A foundation built on dedication, integrity, and passion for learning and teaching. We provide excellent service by using effective teaching methodologies. Our program contains a contextualized curriculum that is relevant, functional and applicable to real life situations. Our teachers and trainers are highly qualified and committed individuals with significant number of years of related work experiences. We place our clients’ advancement in language learning above all else. Connective now brings its tried and tested training programs to Manila, Laguna and other parts of Luzon even in Dumaguete.
Hopefully in other parts of the Philippines in the near future as well.