Founder of the Helen Doron method of education and Helen Doron Educational Group
Children
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Helen Doron (néeHelen Rachel Lowenthal, 5 November 1955) is a British-Israeli linguist and educator based in Israel.[3] She is best known as the creator of the Helen Doron Method of teaching and as the Founder of Helen Doron Educational Group, an international pedagogic network for babies, children, and teens learning English and other programs, including Helen Doron Academy Kindergartens, Helen Doron International, MathRiders and Helen Doron Connect.
Biography
Doron was born and raised in the Hampstead region of north-west London.[3] Her mother was a primary school teacher.[2] From 1973-1977, Doron studied Linguistics Science and French at the University of Reading,[3] earning a dual B.A. degree with honors.[2] She then taught English language and literature at the University of Poitiers in France for a year.[2] Following that, she moved to Israel where she met her husband and settled there. She then completed her MA in Linguistics.[2] She has 3 children[4] (Ella, Benaya and Adam) and 5 grandchildren.
Methodology
In developing her method of teaching, Doron was influenced by the methodology of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the founder of
the Suzuki method and the Doman method developed by Glenn Doman.[5][6] After a few years she developed her own methodology, known as the Helen Doron English method (HDE) for children ages 3 months -19 years old.[7][8]
The methodology is built on two basic cornerstones of mother-tongue language learning, which include Repeated Background Home Hearing and Positive Reinforcement. The method has an integrated series of courses that are designed to complement each other as the students grow and advance in studies.[9][10]
Thus, the HDE method represents a combination of early language acquisition based on Suzuki’s and Doman’s methodologies for early learning and mother-tongue approach with the critical revision of the traditional methods that lack individual approach, insufficient feedback, individual speaking time and more.[11]
In a study published in Procedia -Social and Behavioral Sciences, the authors found that the Helen Doron Early English courses were "one of the most famous and successful courses in teaching English as a second language to pre-school children in the Czech Republic."[12] The Helen Doron learning process was also studied in Poland, with very young English learners.[13]
Educational Group
Helen Doron began teaching in 1985, using cassette tapes she made herself with songs, poems and stories in English.[3] In 1987, the first learning centre was opened and the first franchise opened in Austria in 1997.[3] By early 2000s, approximately 15,000 children in Israel took part in Helen Doron classes from the franchise.[14] As of 2002, there were more than 8,000 children involved in Germany, Poland, South Korea and several other countries.[3] Other locations include Spain, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico[15] and Italy[16]
Helen Doron learning centres are part of a franchise network with the main company's headquarters located in Misgav, Israel.[17]
As of 2022, HDEG is active in 40 countries with more than 1200 learning centers and kindergartens.[18][19]
The Helen Doron Educational Group also has numerous apps through a designated website and digital distribution platforms such as Google Play and Apple Store and the TeenBuzz interactive radio station with participants throughout the world.[20][21]
Doron's programmes are based on humanitarianism, including accepting and understanding all people and not harming animals. All Helen Doron learning centres and kindergartens serve only plant-based, natural food.[22][23]
Doron is an active supporter of the Vegan Friendly organization.[24]
Her daughter Ella Doron who is a singer and songwriter writes, produces and records songs and videos for many of the company’s programs. Helen Doron signed her up for music lessons using the Suzuki method of learning the violin when she was four.[25]
Her company's management is 75% women, and 70% of the company's master franchisees and 90% of its learning centre franchisees are also female.[26]
As of 2023, her group has taught nearly three million children.[27]
Other franchises
Helen Doron Academy (previously known as Helen Doron Kindergartens) – an all-day, bilingual preschool. It promotes learning through a multisensory curriculum with songs, movement and games.
Helen Doron International – a full-day, all-English kindergarten for children ages 2-6. Children learn English easily and naturally through learning materials, structured activities, and play.
MathRiders - an after-school enrichment program. The comprehensive system teaches math through exploration, activities and positive reinforcement. It develops thinking about mathematical concepts as part of the everyday world.
Helen Doron Connect – The Helen Doron methodology adapted for online learning, offering an enjoyable and interactive way for children to learn English. Through fun gamified lessons, incorporating songs, games, and movement, children can enhance their learning experience within the convenience of their own homes.
^Doron, Helen (1 September 1993). "Teaching English to Infants and Primary Schoolchildren in Israel--A Special Project". Educational Media International. 30 (3): 119–123. doi:10.1080/0952398930300302. ISSN0952-3987.
^Zohar, Gil (11 March 2006). "Accent on Tolerance". Toronto Star. Retrieved 19 January 2016 – via EBSCO.
^Scheffler, Paweł (1 March 2015). "Introducing very young children to English as a foreign language". International Journal of Applied Linguistics. 25 (1): 1–22. doi:10.1111/ijal.12035. ISSN1473-4192.
^Shaviv, Miriam; Solomon, Gur (17 November 2000). "Is Hebrew Over the Hill?". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 20 February 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
