👋 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 in a short time using AI, modern frameworks and free, high-quality tools.
🎯 The JBK English Mission
Students learn how to become independent language learners using:
- ✨ The the CEFR objectives with 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
- 🧑⚖️ Career English for Professionals
- 🗣️ 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 help design 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 their learning to help find the way that they learn best
- 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 using the column system
- 📈 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 the A2 level or above take 8 sessions once or twice per week to build a 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 is written and managed by the JBK English director aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Zero Hunger and Quality Education. It has has over 37,000 visitors.
What the project provides:
- 🥗 Free basic nutrition information and suggestions for how to save money.
- 🧑👧 Curated native speaking 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.