英語講師の日記 · 2026/01/14

なぜ少人数制の英会話教室は成果が出やすいのか？大手と個人教室を比較してみる（英語編）

Good morning and I really appreciate your visit to English Plus blog!
English Plus is a small language school located in Tamachi, Tokyo.
We're providing fun, student-centered, practical English lessons.

【English Plusからのお知らせ】
毎週火曜日～土曜日、English Plusの大人向けの通常レッスン（高校生以上の大人向け最大４名までの９０分グループレッスン）、キッズ・子供向け（小学生向け・中学生向け最大４名までの６０分グループレッスンなど）にお入りいただける体験レッスンを随時実施しております。
詳しくはEnglish Plusの公式ホームページからお気軽にご相談ください。卓越した英語教育サービスを提供します。

“There are so many English conversation schools that I honestly don’t know which one to choose.”
“I don’t really understand the difference between large chains and small, independent schools.”

These are extremely common concerns.
With so many factors to consider—fees, location, reputation, and curriculum—it is only natural to feel overwhelmed.

In fact, many people who come to English Plus tell us that they previously chose a school because:

“It was well-known, so it must be reliable.”
“A big school probably produces better results.”

Later, however, they often share feelings such as:

“I didn’t improve as much as I expected.”
“It was hard to ask questions.”

This is not a matter of ability.
In most cases, it simply means that the learning environment was not the right fit for them.

Research by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT) and by the OECD shows that successful language learning depends heavily on personalized feedback and continuous engagement.
In other words, no matter how well-designed the materials or systems may be, it is difficult to achieve strong results if learners are not seen and supported as individuals.

At the large English schools where I previously worked, the system typically included:

・Highly standardized, manual-based teaching
・Large classes or small classes with constantly changing members
・Frequent changes of instructors

This structure is excellent for maintaining uniform quality.
However, it often makes it difficult to:

・Address each student’s specific weaknesses in depth
・Observe and support long-term growth consistently

On the other hand, small, independent English schools offer different strengths:

・Instructors can fully understand each student’s learning history
・Lessons can be flexibly adjusted to individual goals and personalities
・A friendly atmosphere makes it easier to ask questions and seek advice

These advantages are strongly supported by educational psychology.
The concept of rapport (a trusting relationship between teacher and learner) is known to significantly improve learning efficiency.

If you:

・Have struggled to continue studying English in the past
・Feel uncomfortable asking questions
・Are not sure what your real weaknesses are

then a small-group or personalized learning environment is often a better match.

In particular, an environment where:

・Lesson pace is adjusted to each individual
・The same instructor supports you continuously
・You can immediately consult someone when you feel uncertain

can dramatically reduce the risk of giving up on your studies.

Adult education research, such as Knowles’ theory of andragogy, also shows that self-efficacy—the feeling that “I can do this”—is a key factor in sustaining motivation.

At English Plus, we value:

・Small-group lessons
・Instruction based on experience and professional expertise
・Long-term understanding of each student’s goals and challenges

We are not simply “a place that offers lessons.”
We aim to be a place where we design and support each learner’s English growth together.

That means we share and work on:

・What you find difficult and where you tend to get stuck
・What you are good at and where you are improving
・What kind of study methods best suit your lifestyle and learning environment

This level of personalization is one of the greatest strengths of a small, independent school and is difficult to achieve in large-scale institutions.

When choosing an English school, the most important factor is whether it truly feels right for you.
You cannot fully understand compatibility through websites or reviews alone.

If you feel that:

・You want more careful and personal guidance
・You want to learn at your own pace in a supportive environment

then a trial lesson is an excellent first step.

There is no high-pressure sales approach.
Simply come to see whether this style of learning suits you.

That small step may become the turning point that transforms your English learning journey.

For more details, please visit the official English Plus website. English Plusは商標登録済 English Plus（イングリッシュプラス）は当社の登録商標です。