In the fast-paced world of business, there is one undeniable fact that holds true: employees are the key to success. Their commitment and expertise propel organizations towards their objectives, which is why investing in a learning culture is essential. The advantages are numerous and include improved staff retention, increased productivity and the goal of higher employee engagement.
Anyone who’s ever taught a business English class knows that their students are busy people. Sometimes they get sidetracked by their other tasks - even during class. This means we have to make the most of the time we have with our learners and focus on what they really need.
How you do this depends on the sector your students work in (or plan to work in), their previous experiences studying English and their own strengths and weaknesses.
Teachers often focus on teaching hard skills, such as writing reports or running meetings. We do this because it can be challenging for many business students to do these things in English and also because hard skills have an immediate and positive impact on their workdays.
But, if there’s one thing that all business people can benefit from, it’s soft skills.
Soft skills are interpersonal or people skills. They include things like active listening, teamwork, decision-making and influencing skills. Mastering these skills will help students progress more rapidly and become more independent learners. However, isolating the specific vocabulary or grammar structures that these skills use is complex and they often get overlooked in language learning classes as a result.
Are you thinking about embarking on a career in education? If so, you’ll be opening the door to an entire world of possibilities. An education degree can help you to work anywhere in the world, making it one of the most rewarding career paths you can choose. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into just how this field of study can broaden your horizons more than you ever thought possible.
Without teachers, there are a lot of valuable life lessons that we just wouldn’t learn. Of course, learning isn’t just limited to the classroom, but educated teachers seem to consistently have the most impact on young people all over the world. This potential to change young lives is what makes studying for a teaching career desirable for many.
Studying education will also enable you to work from anywhere that you like, as teaching jobs are widely available across the world. The opportunity to teach English to second-language learners in particular can be found in even the most remote locations. Teaching abroad frequently comes with perks, too, including free accommodation, assistance with travel, and the chance to meet people from all walks of life.
In short: almost anywhere. Some of the most popular places people immigrate to with an education degree include Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The latter is particularly attractive, as international school teachers are paid well here, and frequently awarded free accommodation and travel.
Saudi Arabia is also known for its vast riches, which they invest in building beautiful, gated communities for their expats. These often include air-conditioned housing and community pools. If you choose to relocate here, you’ll usually find yourself teaching a mixture of fellow expats and locals – most people find the exposure to such vastly different cultures particularly exciting.
Teaching schemes and programs are available to people with relevant education degrees and overseas teaching roles are always in demand, so it's not uncommon to see new programs pop up over time. Make sure to check out relevant embassy and government websites for up-to-date news on schemes that are running.
If you find a program that interests you, make sure to do your research and find out from others who've participated to ensure its the right program for you. One person's experience teaching can be a lot different from someone else's. The kind of wage, accommodation and benefits can differ greatly depending on the scheme and where you work so its a good idea to research that, comparing it to the area's cost of living.
If you’re choosing to study education you’re already on the right path to an enriching international career – however, you may wish to study other subjects alongside this to make sure that your future job applications stand out.
An English degree complements education studies nicely. The English language teaching market created approximately £1.4 billion annually as of 2020, and this number continues to grow. Alternatively, subjects such as maths and computer science continue to be popular choices for hiring companies abroad.
Education is generally seen as the precursor to a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), which enables you to work abroad. In the UK alone you have the choice of 1,125 courses in Education as of 2023, so when it comes to getting started on your academic journey, the options are endless.
Studying education at degree level will give you the key to the wider world, and is the first step towards a rewarding international career. If you choose to go down this route academically, you’ll have the opportunity to submerge yourself in vibrant global cultures. So, choosing to study for an education degree is sure to be the start of an exciting journey.
Have you been teaching for a number of years and are looking for ways to challenge yourself and share your experience and passion with others?
Many would love the opportunity to progress in their careers and try new things but have no idea how to get started.
So, let's look at several potential jobs for English language teachers, find out what they involve and how you can improve your chances of getting a foot in the door.
For those with a passion for writing and an eye for detail, ELT materials development could be for you. While writing can be hard to get into, there are several ways to get involved - especially if you are persistent and build a portfolio.
Here are some of our top tips for aspiring materials writers:
If you like teaching exam classes, there's a good chance you'll enjoy examining too. Training to be a speaking examiner is a great way to earn some extra money and can also help you better understand test formats and mark schemes. This will certainly also benefit your students in the future too.
Specific requirements for examiners vary depending on the exam board. However, as a rule of thumb, you need a lot of experience teaching the level you wish to examine at. Here is an example job advert from Pearson outlining the expertise and competencies required to be a PTE General Examiner.
You can also check out the recruitment sites from Cambridge Assessment English, IELTS and Trinity to get more of an idea if you are eligible.
Like materials writing, examining can be very competitive, so here is some advice to help you get started:
Another common career goal for long-term English teachers is to become an Academic Manager or Director of Studies (DoS). A successful DoS assumes many roles; often having to organize teachers' schedules, deal with students' concerns, develop new courses, and find cover (or teach) classes at the last minute. They may also need to help with the school's marketing and business side, too.
Many academic managers are employed internally, so get involved with what is going on at your school and apply for smaller coordination positions to see if it's something you enjoy.
You can also try:
If you are interested in teaching methodologies and sharing your knowledge with others but not keen on the admin side, then teacher training might be for you.
As a teacher trainer, you may be required to run workshops on various topics, observe teachers and offer feedback and help with lesson planning. This means it's vital that you can listen to others carefully and clearly explain things.
Here are some ideas to give you a better chance of finding work as a teacher trainer:
The best place to look for new opportunities is often at the school where you currently work. Start by trying new things and showing an interest in the day-to-day running of the organization. Once you've got the attention of the management it will be easier to negotiate a new position. However, if you work at a small school with fewer chances to grow professionally, think about moving to a new school.
Other good places to look for new positions include:
When it comes to business, communication is key. Knowing how to use business English idioms can really help you express yourself, make connections and achieve success. These colorful expressions add depth and nuance to our conversations, making it easier to communicate confidently and effectively.
Today, we explore several commonly used idioms you might come across when using English in the workplace, providing examples of how they can be used and shedding light on their meanings.
A ballpark figure means an estimate or rough guess of a quantity or value. It's a handy way to give a general idea or range without getting too into the details. This can be really helpful during negotiations or planning when you don't need exact numbers. Ballpark figures give you a sense of the bigger picture without bogging you down with specifics.
If someone says they are "in the red", it means they are having a tough time financially and are experiencing losses or negative cash flow. This happens when expenses are more than the money coming in, resulting in a negative balance or deficit. The term originated from using red ink in financial records to indicate negative numbers.
A way to describe a really creative and outside-the-box approach to problem-solving or brainstorming. Basically thinking or brainstorming without any boundaries or limits. A manager might encourage a team to do some blue-sky thinking, allowing them to come up with some very imaginative ideas and concepts.
An idiom for attempting an impossible task, originating from a math problem where you can't create a square with the same area as a circle using just a compass and straight edge. Someone may say trying to reach a solution all clients were happy with was like trying to square the circle, implying that it was a difficult and almost impossible task.
This saying suggests that relying on just one strategy or investment is not wise. It emphasizes the importance of diversification and spreading risks for long-term success. To achieve sustained success, a financial advisor may suggest to their client to diversify their investment portfolio and not solely rely on one option.
The meaning of making ends meet involves being able to complete a task or project using the existing income or resources. It requires efficient management of finances to cover necessary expenses, despite having a limited budget or resources. For instance, if someone is working on a project with a restricted budget, they may need to make ends meet as they cannot obtain additional funds to support it.
This means considering every possible factor and handling them carefully to prevent problems or risks. Making sure everything is examined, and anticipating any potential challenges or situations. A business doing a report or analysis may want to "cover all the bases" to prevent any surprise issues or gaps.
The origin of this is likely a reference to baseball. When playing defense, the goal is to protect or 'cover' your bases and stop the other team from getting points.
To solve a problem or task, by focusing on the important details and practical steps needed for success. Avoiding unnecessary distractions and concentrating on what's essential. For instance, a project manager might say, "Let's focus on the necessary steps we need to take to complete this project on time by getting down to brass tacks."
"Playing hardball" means being tough and unwavering during negotiations or business deals. It shows that someone is assertive and firm in defending their interests. If the other party is unyielding, a skilled negotiator may suggest "playing hardball" to get a better deal.
These are just a few of a long list, but by adopting idioms and English phrases like these into your professional interactions, you can strengthen relationships with colleagues and showcase your understanding of the business environment more clearly. Plus, it can give you a boost of confidence in your language learning and in navigating the complex world of corporate English.
If you want to refine your business English skills even further, make sure to check out our blog post 5 ways to politely say no in Business English. You can also check out Mondly, an app developed to help you learn languages for various realistic scenarios.
In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, the importance of both upskilling and re-skilling has never been more evident. The skills required in the workplace are continuously shifting due to technological advancements, changing job roles, and increasing global competition. Learning new skills is the key to remaining relevant, competitive, and future proofing your career.
A recent Pearson skills outlook report shows how Indian workers are keen to improve their skills for career growth (with a focus on certain skills in technology and business English) to keep up with progression, and to stay relevant to employers. Following this, in today's post, we explore the significance of upskilling and re-skilling and how they can empower you to thrive in the dynamic world of work.
The job market is in a constant state of flux, with traditional roles being disrupted and new ones emerging. Upskilling allows you to stay ahead of these changes in your current career, and reskilling allows you to adapt and remain relevant in the face of evolving skill requirements. By continuously updating and expanding your skill set, you enhance your employability and increase your chances of securing meaningful employment opportunities, even in the face of automation and job market fluctuations.
Upskilling is not just about maintaining your current job; it is also a catalyst for professional growth and advancement. By acquiring new skills, you broaden your horizons, open doors to new career possibilities, and position yourself for promotions and higher-level positions.
Employers value employees who demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement and possess a diverse range of skills, making upskilling a powerful tool for career progression.
Technology continues to reshape the workplace, and upskilling is essential for effectively navigating these advancements. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization are transforming industries, and workers must adapt to remain relevant. Re-skilling in areas such as data analysis, coding, cybersecurity, or digital marketing equips you with the expertise needed to leverage technology and work alongside it, rather than being displaced by it.
Learning and growth are fundamental drivers of job satisfaction and motivation: research has shown that it is as significant a factor as low pay in peoples' decision to stay with a particular company or job role1. Upskilling not only expands your knowledge but also stimulates your intellectual curiosity and passion for your work. When you invest in your professional development, you can align your skills with your passions and find greater fulfilment in your chosen career path.
Upskilling fosters adaptability and resilience, two essential qualities in today's dynamic work environment. The World Economic Forum estimates that a quarter of all jobs will be disrupted in the next five years alone; meaning that everyone needs to be prepared for change and uncertainty.
By continuously learning and developing new skills, you become more adaptable to changing circumstances and can readily embrace new challenges. Upskilling enhances your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and ability to learn quickly, making you better equipped to handle unexpected situations and thrive in an ever-evolving workplace.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, global competition for jobs is intensifying. By staying abreast of industry trends, acquiring in-demand skills, and demonstrating a commitment to self-improvement, you differentiate yourself from other candidates and increase your chances of securing coveted job opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
The importance of upskilling and re-skilling for work cannot be overstated. In a rapidly changing world, they are the keys to remaining relevant, adaptable, and competitive. By continuously learning and developing new skills, you future-proof your career, enhance your employability, and open doors to new opportunities.
Embrace skills development as a lifelong journey: by doing so, you empower yourself to thrive in the dynamic world of work and build a fulfilling, successful career.
In the era of the Great Resignation, there are lots of factors that influence whether or not someone chooses to stay with their company or decides to accept a job offer from a new employer.
Whilst fair pay remains a constant in this, feeling included, valued, and cared about by colleagues plays a significant role in the decision on whether to stay or go.
Knowing how to say no politely and professionally is important in the business world. Whether you're declining a job offer, rejecting a sales pitch, or turning down a project, saying no can be difficult. Especially if English is not your native language and you're new to learning business English.
However, using the right phrases can make all the difference in maintaining positive relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. This blog post will explore five phrases to say no in business English politely.
The CEFR describes A1 and A2 learners as ‘basic users’ of a language. So how can we help these students to develop their English for the workplace?
Here are our six top tips:
Learning English vocabulary for work context is the top priority for many low-level learners in business English classes. It helps them to communicate their message in a simple, effective way. This makes it important to teach common words and set expressions for everyday work situations.
These include:
Teach vocabulary items in realistic contexts. For example, phone calls, to-do lists, short emails, text messages etc.
While it might be tempting to give students lots of vocabulary to memorize, this can cause overload, be frustrating and ultimately demotivating for learners. Instead, you should aim to present eight to ten new words in a lesson as a general rule. This is an achievable number for working memory and helps to build learners’ confidence. The number of words can be a little higher if items are easy to show in images or there is repetition; for instance, the numbers 20 to 100.
Have students make simple decisions about new words, as this helps with recall later. Start with simple tasks, such as matching words and pictures or verb and noun collocations they’ve seen in a short text (for example, managing a team, call customers, writing emails, etc.). Next, ask students to complete sentences using the target words and write their own sentences using these words.
Getting students to personalize new vocabulary makes it more memorable, for instance writing sentences describing their work routines. Repetition also aids long-term memory, so make sure vocabulary is recycled in the materials in later lessons.
Finally, make a list of vocabulary games to use for revision exercises, warmers and to finish classes.
Learners need to develop their English-speaking skills for work. The classroom is a safe, low-stakes environment for them to gain fluency and confidence.
Use the audio and video scripts of short dialogues or an extract from a longer script. Students read the dialogue aloud in pairs or groups. Give feedback by drilling the stress and rhythm of any words or phrases which were difficult with the whole class. Back-chaining phrases – starting with the last sound and building up going backwards – is an excellent way to drill. Get students to swap roles and repeat the task.
You can also use another technique called disappearing dialogue. Put a short dialogue on the board for students to practice in pairs. Then delete parts of the dialogue and ask them to repeat the task, swapping roles each time. Gradually delete more parts to increase the challenge. Students can reconstruct the dialogue as a final task.
Moreover, surveys, questionnaires, true/false games, and information-gap exercises are ways to practice speaking in English, target structures, and vocabulary.
