1. Use a dialogic approach in your class materials. What does this complicated term mean? It is actually just a focus on communication between trainers and learners, not a one-sided lecture, but a genuine dialogue. This approach utilizes open discussions, questioning, and active listening. How can I achieve this in language training? Make sure you use role-plays, real-life simulations, and collaborative discussions in your lessons. These are often real-life scenarios like negotiating deals, leading meetings, or solving complex workplace problems.
It works well because business English learners require skills other than grammar and vocabulary. They must be confident and talk to colleagues and clients in their everyday business. This means practicing business communication skills in a safe environment before applying them in real-life situations.
2. A group of people working in one industry have a common Community of Practice. This describes a set of words and phrases that are central to the unique communication needs of that community. For example, this might be operators working in plastic production or software engineers working in Fintech. You need to customize materials to suit the needs of these client groups. In other words, select the words and phrases that are related to that industry. Don’t forget to incorporate the cultural norms, behaviors, and communication styles specific to that community. Only include examples that reflect common situations that your learners would be likely to come across in their jobs.
It is very motivating for learners to see content that applies to their day-to-day work. They are much more likely to succeed in reaching learning outcomes. A CoP approach makes sure that language skills are learned within a relevant professional context, making the learning practical and immediately useful.
3. Adopt an inclusive teaching practice that caters to all learners, regardless of their age, position in the company, or learning preferences. This means creating a safe and respectful learning space, a place where your learners feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or discrimination. Teachers must facilitate discussions that respect each student’s voice and promote tolerance and empathy. It is also essential to cater to everybody by using varied teaching methods to engage different age groups and categories of employees.
Teams are diverse in most business settings. Your training materials should ensure that everyone, from entry-level employees to senior managers, can participate fully and benefit equally. When learners feel that materials respect and reflect their roles, they become more engaged and confident. Break down the work hierarchies in your lessons and make everybody feel like they are equals.
4. The pace of Business is fast, and your learners need to act quickly and efficiently. This requires a strong orientation towards action and requires tasks to practice decision-making. For example, activities that solve real-world business problems and help learners make quick decisions during meeting simulations. The idea is to help learners practice taking the initiative.
This will help you learners build the confidence they need to make decisions, pitch their ideas, and propose solutions. They’ll develop their language skills best in scenarios where they must also use core business skills. Remember, action and practical experience are more valuable than theory.
5. People will tell you to avoid the dreaded politics, which seems like a good choice for most teachers. However, what about the important socio-political issues relevant to the learners’ industries? For instance, workplace equity, diversity and inclusion, leadership styles, and corporate social responsibility. Learners are highly motivated by these topics, so include case studies, debates, and discussions that touch on these areas.
Modern business is not just transactional. It’s about navigating complex social and political landscapes. Incorporating these topics allows learners to practice the language needed to address important issues, making your lessons more meaningful and relevant to their professional contexts.
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