In 1972, a group of young teachers dared to question the status quo of language teaching. Among them was Bill Cook, who decades later would become the founder of ATPAL and creator of a revolutionary methodology that would challenge traditional methods of foreign language learning.
We had the opportunity to speak with Bill Cook about the origins, principles, and differences of ALSYS (Assertive Learning System), the system that has enabled thousands of students to achieve their language goals more efficiently.
The Origins: A Productive Dissatisfaction
When we asked Bill how ALSYS originated, his response took us back to the early 1970s:
“In 1972, a group of young teachers, including myself, became dissatisfied with the marginal results students were achieving with the traditional communicative methodology,” Cook explained.
This dissatisfaction wasn’t passive. The Assertive Learning System emerged as the result of a collective teaching experience and a critical assessment of students’ lower productivity with a traditional direct communicative approach. In other words, ALSYS didn’t arise from abstract theory, but from direct classroom observation and a commitment to finding a better solution.
What is ALSYS?
Bill Cook’s definition of his methodology is clear and straightforward: “ALSYS is a method of learning that seeks to assist students in more rapidly securing a superior level of performance in a foreign language through improved assertiveness.”
The key word here is “assertiveness.” Unlike other methods that prioritize immediate communication, ALSYS emphasizes efficient performance through specific procedures.
The ALSYS Difference: Focus on What Truly Matters
What makes ALSYS different from other language teaching methods? According to Bill Cook, it all comes down to a fundamental shift in perspective:
“ALSYS motivates learners to keep focused on what truly matters: improving language proficiency. When students realize that their goal is not communication, but to achieve efficient performance through specific procedures, they find themselves on the winning path to immediate success.”
This shift in focus has produced measurable results: students learn 30% faster with ALSYS. This proven efficiency is why ATPAL is one of the few institutions worldwide that offers a guarantee.
Protection and Official Recognition
ALSYS is not just an innovative methodology; it’s also an officially recognized trademark. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has recognized ALSYS as an original work and granted exclusive rights to the use of the trademark.
As Bill Cook explains: “The Assertive Learning System is protected by copyright laws which help maintain the integrity and quality of the ALSYS approach, benefiting educators and learners who rely on its innovative strategies.”
The story of ALSYS is a powerful reminder that educational innovation emerges when teachers dare to question established methods and seek solutions based on real results. From that dissatisfaction in 1972, Bill have built a system that continues to help students worldwide achieve their language goals faster and more assertively.
