Measuring the ROI of Business English (Part 1): How the GSE and KPIs drive real impact

Łukasz Pakuła
Łukasz Pakuła
Two business women talking together at a computer
所要時間: 5 minutes

An L&D manager opens a slide deck and says, “Seventy people are on Business English this quarter. The feedback is positive. Here are a few quotes.” A finance manager nods, then asks the only question that really matters when budgets are tight:

“What measurable change has this brought about in the business?”

If that scene feels familiar, you’re not alone.

It’s almost cliché to say that English is no longer a nice-to-have in business. Across sectors, it’s a standard requirement across sectors. Leaders are demanding results, and employees who increasingly value the confidence that English brings, as Pearson’s 2024 report clearly shows. And yet, many organizations still treat language training as a recurring calendar entry rather than a strategic lever. Classes happen, materials circulate, learners attend. Business as usual.

Then the inevitable question arrives: Is this actually working?

The question “What’s our ROI (Return on Investment) on Business English courses?” echoes across the boardroom table. Out come the attendance charts, school-issued progress reports, maybe a few glowing comments. Useful? The Germans would say jein, yes and no (and of course they have a word for that).

The case for measuring what matters

If the above sounds familiar, or if I’ve simply managed to grab your attention, keep reading. Over this short two-part series, I’ll show how to build a measurement philosophy for language training using KPIs, explain why independent assessment via the Global Scale of English (GSE) is your best ally, and illustrate how all these datapoints come together in the only metric every boardroom finds attractive: ROI.

I’ll also show how the Pearson English International Certificate (PEIC) ticks that final box of recognition and reward. Although this post is primarily aimed at business stakeholders, I invite everyone in the EFL world to see how the GSE can serve as a business tool, alongside its methodological prowess.

KPIs: small, steady, and meaningful

In learning and development, measurement works best when it’s little and often. KPIs shouldn’t be an autopsy at the end of a course; they should be pulse checks along the way, data you can act on.

Short feedback loops after sessions, mid-course benchmarks, quick manager observations on behavioural change - these aren’t just admin exercises. They’re your early-warning and early-celebration system rolled into one.

I like to think of KPIs as chapters in a coherent story. Each chapter answers a different question, and together they tell a narrative that HR, L&D and the board can all buy into.

Let’s start with participation and regularity. Are people showing up and staying engaged? Track attendance, lateness and, for online components, log-ins and time on task. That’s your health check. If the numbers drift, then scheduling or content might need a rethink, ideally in tandem with your provider (trust me, collaboration here pays off).

Then there’s progress in level and skills. Here, independence matters. Use baseline, mid-course and endline tests that are external to the training provider and mapped to the GSE. Because GSE operates on a 10–90 scale, it captures micro-progress that broad CEFR bands simply miss. Where the CEFR might still say “B1”, the GSE can show movement from 48 to 53. A few GSE points may not sound like much, but in the world of adult learning, that’s a genuine success story. Where CEFR might suggest stagnation, or plateauing, as we call it in Applied Linguistics - the GSE tells you the learning curve is alive and kicking.

And finally, application on the job. Is the business experiencing tangible benefits from improved communication? And since our learners are the heart of any programme, their satisfaction and motivation levels are equally telling. Low energy or disengagement is often the first sign something’s off, long before the test scores flatten.

These KPIs are deliberately mixed, with some being complex numbers and others experience-based. That’s intentional. Research in e-learning shows you need both if you want to understand what’s really happening in a course, not just what appears in the final test report.

Why GSE changes the game

The GSE isn’t just a theoretical framework, it’s an ecosystem:  courseware, AI-driven assessments, analytics, the works. My experience as an LSP (Language Service Provider) owner and Head of Studies at choices® has taught me one thing: using third-party, reliable and organization-agnostic testing gives us a massive advantage. Businesses are often promised "pies in the sky". The problem? Those pies are frequently baked and taste-tested by the same baker.

Independent, GSE-based assessment is a genuine USP.

It’s external to the language services provider, which makes the data credible to L&D, HR and, most importantly, the board. It’s granular, so it captures those subtle wins that keep learners motivated. And it’s consistent across time and cohorts: gold dust when budgets are tight and every line item gets scrutinised.

When you can say, “We measure independently, we’re aligned, and here’s evidence of real progress”, you’ve earned yourself something priceless: a protected budget.

Coming up next

In the next post, I’ll move from "how" to "why", showing how these insights translate into measurable business outcomes. We’ll talk ROI: the costs (both obvious and hidden), the returns (both hard and soft), and the benchmarks that make all the difference. Because when you measure smartly, with GSE as your compass, everyone wins: learners, managers, HR and yes, even the boardroom sceptics.

Learn more about the GSE

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  • A man sat in a pod chair working on laptop
    A teacher's guide to safe and ethical AI use for students
    投稿者 Charlotte Guest
    所要時間: 5 minutes

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a normal part of education. Many students now use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot to help with homework, writing, studying and even learning new languages.

    These tools can be very helpful, but they also bring new challenges. Some students use AI to improve their understanding, while others may rely on it too much or copy its answers without thinking.

    Teachers have an important role to play. Instead of telling their students not to use AI, they can teach them to use it use it safely, responsibly and ethically. When students understand both the benefits and the risks, they can use AI to become better learners rather than simply finding shortcuts.

    What does ethical AI use mean?

    Ethical AI use means using AI in a fair, honest and responsible way.

    Students should think of AI as a learning assistant, not as someone who completes their work for them. AI can explain grammar, suggest vocabulary, give writing feedback or help students practise conversations. However, students should still make their own decisions, solve problems and create their own work.

    A simple rule to remember is:

    Use AI to support your learning, not replace it.

    This mindset helps students develop real language skills and become more confident learners.

    Talk openly about AI in the classroom

    Many students are already using AI, whether teachers ask them to or not. Because of this, it's important to create an open and honest conversation about AI rather than ignoring it.

    When students know they can ask questions without being judged, they are more likely to use AI responsibly. Explain when AI is helpful, when it should not be used and why learning still requires effort and practice.

    Every school may have different rules about AI, so make sure your students understand your expectations. If everyone knows what is allowed and what is not, there is much less confusion.

    Show students how AI can support learning

    AI works best when it helps students think, practice and improve.

    For example, students can ask AI to:

    • Explain difficult grammar rules
    • Create vocabulary quizzes
    • Suggest speaking questions
    • Practice everyday conversations
    • Check writing for grammar and spelling mistakes
    • Rewrite a text using simpler or more advanced English
    • Generate ideas before starting a writing task

    These activities encourage active learning because students are still involved in the process.

    However, AI should not be used to write essays, complete homework or answer exam questions without the student's own effort. If AI does everything, the student misses valuable opportunities to practice and improve.

    Protect students' privacy

    One of the most important lessons teachers can share is how to protect personal information online.

    Students should understand that AI tools may store conversations or use them to improve their systems. Because of this, they should never share private or sensitive information.

    Remind students not to enter:

    • Full names
    • Home addresses
    • Phone numbers
    • Passwords
    • Personal photos
    • School records
    • Private information about friends or family

    Instead, encourage students to use general examples when asking questions.

    For example, instead of sharing a real student's name in a piece of writing, they can simply say "the student" or create a fictional example.

    Learning to protect personal information is an important digital skill that goes beyond using AI.

    Teach students to question AI's answers

    AI is impressive, but it is not perfect.

    Sometimes AI gives incorrect information, misunderstands a question or even invents facts and references. Because AI often sounds confident, students may believe everything it says without checking.

    This is why critical thinking remains essential.

    Encourage students to ask themselves questions such as:

    • Does this answer make sense?
    • Can I find the same information somewhere else?
    • Would my teacher agree with this explanation?
    • Have I understood the answer or am I just copying it?

    Helping students develop these habits will make them stronger learners long after they leave the classroom.

    Encourage honesty and responsibility

    Being honest about AI use is an important part of academic integrity.

    If students use AI to brainstorm ideas, improve grammar or practice vocabulary, that can be a positive learning experience. However, they should not pretend that AI-generated work is completely their own if school policies require them to explain how AI was used.

    Teachers can make this easier by clearly explaining what is acceptable in different activities. For example, AI might be allowed for homework planning but not during assessments or exams.

    When expectations are clear, students are more likely to make responsible choices.

    Create simple classroom AI guidelines

    Instead of giving students a long list of rules, try creating a short classroom agreement together.

    You could ask students questions like:

    • When is AI useful?
    • When should we avoid using AI?
    • What does responsible AI use look like?
    • How can AI help us become better language learners?

    Together, you can create a simple agreement such as:

    • I will use AI to help me learn.
    • I will think before accepting AI's answers.
    • I will check important information.
    • I will not copy AI work and claim it as my own.
    • I will protect my personal information.
    • I will ask my teacher if I am unsure.

    When students help create the rules, they often feel more responsible for following them.

    Remember that teachers are still essential

    Some people worry that AI will replace teachers. In reality, AI cannot replace the human side of teaching.

    Teachers motivate students, answer unexpected questions, understand emotions and adapt lessons to meet individual needs. They encourage creativity, build confidence and create meaningful relationships in the classroom.

    AI can provide information, but it cannot replace encouragement, empathy or the experience that teachers bring every day.

    The best classrooms will combine the strengths of both teachers and technology.

    Supporting safe AI use in language learning

    AI is likely to remain an important part of education and language learners can benefit greatly from using it effectively. Instead of seeing AI as something to fear, teachers can help students understand how to use it safely, ethically and responsibly.

    By encouraging critical thinking, protecting privacy, promoting honesty and showing students how AI can support learning rather than replace it, we prepare them for a future where technology plays an important role.

    The goal isn't to stop students from using AI. The goal is to help them become confident, independent learners who know how to use these powerful tools wisely. With clear guidance from teachers, AI can become a valuable learning partner as students continue to develop the language skills and critical-thinking abilities they need for success.

  • Young woman writing in a notepad whilst looking at a laptop and wearing headphones
    Top tips for last-minute language exam prep
    投稿者 Charlotte Guest
    所要時間: 4 minutes

    Is your language exam only a few days away? Don't worry. Many students feel nervous before an exam, especially if they think they have not studied enough. The good news is that you can still use your time well. A few smart study habits can help you feel more confident and ready.

    Here are some simple and practical tips to help you prepare for your language exam at the last minute.

    1. Focus on the most important topics

    Don't try to learn everything. Instead, think about the topics that often appear in your lessons or practice tests. Spend more time on grammar points, vocabulary and skills that are likely to be in the exam.

    For example, if your course often tests the past tense, question words or common travel vocabulary, review those first instead of learning new topics.

    If you have old class notes or practice papers, use them. They can show you what you should review first.

    2. Review vocabulary every day

    Learning a few new words is good, but reviewing words you already know is even better before an exam.

    Write down important words and phrases. Read them aloud and try to use them in simple sentences. For example, if you are reviewing the word "appointment", you could write:

    • I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow.
    • She arrived early for her appointment.

    You can also use flashcards or a vocabulary app to test yourself. Short review sessions of 10 to 15 minutes can be very effective.

  • A woman on a laptop with headphones on and writing down on paper
    Are online checks reliable for English tests?
    投稿者 Alice Bazzi
    所要時間: 3 minutes

    Identity verification is one of the most critical steps in any English language test. For institutions and governments, the question is clear: can online ID checks really be trusted? With modern technology, the answer is simply yes. And, in many cases, they are even more robust than manual checks. 

    PTE Express uses advanced biometric verification, combining facial recognition with real-time ID validation. Candidates are required to present official identification, which is cross-checked using automated systems that detect inconsistencies, fraudulent markers and different forms of tampering. 

    What makes this approach particularly powerful is the consistency. Unlike human-led checks, which can vary depending on conditions, staff training or volume, AI-driven verification applies the same rigorous standard to every candidate. 

    Additionally, liveness detection technology ensures that the person taking the tests are physically present and not using any static image or recording. This eliminates common fraud risks that are associated with impersonation.