Module 16 - Teaching Business English

 

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? 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. This is not good enough.

 

These older, more skilled business people also need you to have some interest and knowledge of the business world. You would be 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 and 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.

 

The absolute best Business English Resource on the Internet?:

 

Business English eBook

http://www.businessenglishebook.com/

 

Read the following links for more detailed information about teaching Business English:

 

The BBC - Business English Section - an excellent resource

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/

 

Useful Expressions in Business English

http://www.eslgold.com/business/useful_expressions.html

 

Tips for Teaching - Business English

http://www.eslgold.com/business/teaching_tips.html

 

 

The TEFL University. Free 120 Hour TEFL Course. For Exam & Certificate, visit:

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