👋 Overview
🌐 Online English Learning for Independent Language Learners (ILL)
Hello! I’m John Kirk, a semi-retired English teacher based in Portland, Maine, and the director of JBK English. Previously, I operated an on-site Business English training company in Quito, Ecuador, under the same name.
Today, I offer a range of online English classes with a clear mission:
Helping students become independent language learners using modern frameworks and free, high-quality tools.
🎯 The JBK English Mission
Students learn how to become independent language learners using:
- ✨ The European Language Portfolio (ELP)
- 🌐 Free online resources
- 🤖 Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
This approach makes learning:
- More personalized
- More efficient
- More accessible
📚 Course Offerings
JBK English offers flexible, goal-based courses:
- 📘 General English
- 🧑⚖️ Career English for Professionals
- 🏨 Workplace English
- ✍️ Business English Writing
- 🗣️ Pronunciation
- 🎓 International Test Preparation (TOEFL iBT, TOEIC)
🌟 Why Choose JBK English?
JBK English is ideal if you want to:
- ✔ Advance in your career
- ✔ Improve daily communication skills
- ✔ Prepare for a major exam
- ✔ Learn how to study independently
You’ll receive personalized, goal-focused instruction tailored to your needs, pace, and experience.
📖 My Approach: CEFR & ELP-Based Learning
All courses at JBK English are built using internationally recognized frameworks.
📊 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- Provides skill-based objectives at each proficiency level
- Uses practical “can do” statements to measure progress
📂 European Language Portfolio (ELP)
- Helps learners reflect on learning
- Encourages progress tracking and documentation
- Supports autonomous language growth
🔧 What You’ll Learn to Do
Students learn practical skills to support independent learning:
- 🎯 Set and track personal learning goals
- 📈 Monitor progress using CEFR “can do” statements
- 🔍 Use free online resources effectively
- 🤖 Leverage AI tools to identify your best learning methods
- 🧠 Reflect regularly on progress and development
🧩 Independent Language Learning (ILL) skills can be incorporated into any course.
🕊️ Flexible Learning Structure
- Students at A2 level or above often begin with 8 sessions in the first month to build a solid foundation in independent learning.
- After that, some learners reduce to 4 or even 2 sessions per month, using class time for:
- Guidance
- Strategy updates
- Feedback and check-ins
This structure keeps learning effective, affordable, and sustainable.
👉 For full details, visit the JBK Courses page.
🌍 AOK Basic Skills Project
JBK English proudly supports the AOK Basic Skills Project:
🔗 https://aokbasicskills.gratis
This global initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Zero Hunger and Quality Education.
What the project provides:
- 🥗 Free basic nutrition information
- 🧑👧 Curated learning sites for parents of children aged 4–18
- 📘 Tools for adult basic education students
- 📈 Support for secondary and university students learning how to study independently
- 📚 And more…
JBK English – Learn English. Learn how to learn.