Friday, July 15, 2005

THE BUSINESS ENGLISH TEACHER AS PROFESSIONAL

THE BUSINESS ENGLISH TEACHER AS PROFESSIONAL

Image and attitude are fundamental when teaching business students, according to Tonya Trappe.

Penny Ur's article, The English Teacher as Professional (ETp Issue Two), set me thinking about the level of 'professionalism' needed in the area of Business English teaching, where students' attitudes and needs make particular demands on the teacher.

In the case of young or newly-qualified teachers, the prospect of having to go into a company - often their first contact with the business world - may be daunting. The following are some practical hints that I wish I had been given before I started teaching Business English!

A professional relationship

Nobody told me that, as a young woman, it was sometimes going to be difficult to convince business people - particularly businessmen - that I was a professional, too. One businessman, obviously confusing the role of teacher with that of secretary, expected me to take notes for him during the lesson!

Many teachers fail to strike up a professional relationship at the start of the first class or meeting by devoting too much time to informal 'getting to know one another' chatting. While this is an important ice-breaking activity and helps to create a relaxed and pleasant learning environment, it is not always perceived by business people as a 'serious' way to conduct a class. The guidelines below have helped me to stay on track.

Establish student level
Have a short, reliable diagnostic test to help you gain a clear view of the students' writing and grammar skills.

Clarify goals and objectives
Beware of students who say they 'just want conversation'. They still need a structured programme with well-prepared input. They may also have language and skills needs that they do not recognise and which you, as a professional, should bring to their attention.

Prioritise skills
Check if students are more concerned with accuracy or fluency. Discuss how much time should be devoted to each skill and how you will work with them.

Present your programme outline
Be flexible and open to discussion.
Provide a list of business topics and themes to choose from and ask for student input and suggestions.
Agree on an action plan.
Discuss learner responsibility
Ask the students how they perceive their role in the language learning process. Negotiate how much time they are willing to spend on English outside scheduled class time.

Business interests
Most good ESP (English for Special/Specific Purposes) training programmes insist on the importance of using authentic materials. However, to work successfully with authentic materials, the Business English teacher must be genuinely interested in the subject and have a broad-based knowledge of business.

It is essential to read business publications regularly. Reading The Economist, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, or similar publications, enables the teacher to keep up-to-date with the world of business as well as providing a source of authentic teaching materials.

Business dress
Whether we want to admit it or not, what we wear is important. The best thing to do is always to dress as if you are going to a business meeting - which in fact you are! - and ensure that you respect the dress code of the company where you are teaching.

The punctuality problem

The English lesson is often not a top priority for your students. If meetings go over time, they may arrive late, and they may then expect the teacher to stay on. It should be made clear from the start that you have other business appointments and that you cannot stay later than planned. This generally solves the punctuality problem and makes students realise that you, like them, have other professional commitments.

You are a professional

Never think of yourself as 'only the English teacher'. No matter how important and well-paid your business students are, remember their careers may depend on their level of Business English - and therefore on you! Speak with authority on those subjects where you are the professional - language teaching and the language itself. Your attitude is a vital part of establishing a professional image. If you project yourself as 'the professional' you are, nobody will ask you to take notes for them in class!

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In case my CELTA teachers google my work and find this site, it should be noted that the lesson plans here are original work, and that I am keeping them on my blog for my own records. For further information, email me at sandyhoney2@gmail.com.

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