Teaching Business English in the EFL Classroom
Basic Concepts:
Teaching
Business English, or any kind of ESP (English for
Specific Purposes - or sometimes for "Special
Purposes"), should be considered once you have a some
experience in TEFL. Business English, or other ESP
classes, usually pay better than teaching "conversation"
English classes, and some teachers find them more
enjoyable.
Obviously,
these classes will center around a work environment and
utilize business or ESP vocabulary. Early in your TEFL
career you should probably NOT teach these type classes
unless you have prior work experience in business or
other ESP areas. Why? Because businesses usually have
a very focused aim as to what they want to accomplish -
and if you have little experience in the business world
- you may have little understanding of what is required.
Business English students are usually quite different
from typical language school students. They are often
older, more experienced, tired from a long day at work -
and have a definite idea about what they want to learn.
Also, sometimes, they are required to take English
classes if they want to progress in their company. If
you are seen as being "wet behind the ears" and as
having little or no knowledge of their world - you will
typically be replaced rather quickly.
Some EFL teachers think that teaching Business English
is the same as teaching regular English classes - but
having a little business vocabulary thrown in. Some
teachers think that all you might need to do is to
change The book is on the desk to The report
is on the photocopier. No, not good enough. These
older, more skilled business people also need you to
have some interest and knowledge of the business world -
as you need and are expected to pique their interest and
create relevant contexts for your lessons. If you have
no awareness of the context of their work, this will be
quite difficult to do. However, if you do find yourself
in this situation - research the business where you will
teach and learn as much as you can about what they do -
their products and services - and include as much of
that as possible in the lessons.
Simply using a Business English course book is not
enough.
Basic methodology for Business English is the same as
for regular EFL classes.
Expanded
Concepts:
Read the
following links for more detailed information about
teaching Business English
The BBC - Business English Section - an excellent
resource
Business English exercises
Useful Expressions in
Business English
Tips for Teaching -
Business English
