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First class for business English

Posted by Jo-Grapes · March 11, 2014 · 5 replies

I'm starting a business English class starting in April.
Classes will be for 4-5 students and I'm currently not sure on their level but I'm guessing it will be relatively low.
Classes will be 1.5 hours long and I'm a bit worried how I can make the classes last that long.
If their level isn't too high then I won't be able to teach business English anyway and I also think it'll be difficult to get them to do any writing and reading. I usually teach only conversation English.
Anyone have any tips on these kind of classes? Any help would be great!

5 Replies

Jehane

Hi, it will be fine. Break the lessons into 20 minute chunks and do lot of pair and group work and role play. Get students to practise telephone conversations, meetings, and different business situations. You can still do this at a lower level. The important thing is to have a lesson plan so you can keep the class going. Good luck!

Jo-Grapes OP

Thanks Jehane,

As for the 20 min chunks, do you have any ideas of what I could do. Not expecting a SOW but just a couple ideas that have worked for you.

Jehane

Hi Jo,

I suggest the first thing you do is give them a simple beginner level test. There are many good sites on the net, I don´t think I´m allowed to post names here.

You could also try:

- put students in pairs, give a scenario and tell them to have a telephone conversation. Give them 10 mins to prepare, helping them with vocab.

- learn email vocab - ask students and have volunteer write on board, give out copy of a sample email using kind regards etc, get class to write a simple email together with one person writing on board

Hope this helps!

little sage

Very helpful tips, thanks!

Jehane wrote:There are many good sites on the net, I don´t think I´m allowed to post names here.

No worries at all, if you know some good websites for Business English, please feel free to share the links 🙂