Job Discussion Forums

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

It has been mentioned that I may take some Business English classes when I start my position in March...and I had considered doing a short online course to get some ideas...

I will be teaching in Hainan, at a vocational college with students aged between 17 - 22 - some of whom will major in business as well as languages.

What type of subjects would I cover...is the online course worthwhile?

My working experience, is very much clerical and sales orientated, so I would have a few ideas about the sales process, sales presentations, meetings, writing business letters/memo's/quotes, and structures and department in many business settings..... I can certainly envisage a few lessons plans around these types of topics..

Are these suitable subjects? What do any of you cover?

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

Nick, your students will most likely have a text book with the answers in the back. You'll be expected to teach that, especially if there's an exam.
With luck though, you'll be teaching them oral English. Things such as role playing job interviews, product presentations and AGMs are all useful, and can be fun.
It is a fact, despite what you hear from the cynics, that with the number of multi-nationals setting up in China, students with a reasonable grasp of English have a distinct advantage. At my vocationally oriented school in Shanghai, companies such as Intel set up recruitment programs to sign up students before they had even graduated. English was an absolute must for these students.

PS Get hold of some high school level business text books from your educational book seller before leaving. Don't worry about paying for an online course that may turn out to be of no use to you. There's plenty of free stuff on the net. Look at company websites [eg Intel] which outline what they are looking for: examples of CV's etc.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

it will be oral classes - so yeah I am hoping we can get involved in some fun role plays, sales presentations and so on.

Ive actually been in some of the business classes as a volunteer and guest teacher....so it doesnt hold too many fears for me.....I did/do wonder what everyone else does in their business classes though.

The idea of an online course, in part, was that it may make me more employable in the future, although the course itself may not actually offer me anymore than info online, or a good book, a future employer wouldnt know that (or would they)

As I dont have a degree, I feel it is another certificate to make me a candidate for future positions....

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

I taught Business English in Italy. My "business experience" consisted of a high school business course and about ten university courses covering "business basics" (Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Law, Economics, etc). In two years of teaching Business English the only time I encountered something that wasn't common knowledge was when we had to do SWOT analyses. That was the one time I thought, "Those ten university courses really did pay off!" I definitely wouldn't spend money on an online course. Try flipping through a commonly-used textbook like Market Leader and you'll probably find that you're already familiar with most of the concepts and terminology.

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

I've never taken any business courses, but was still able to run a SWOT analysis with my foreign trade class! Looks like I saved some money.

SkaSucks76 · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Beijing, China

I've never taught there but I left there yesterday after 5 days and I gotta tell you, it's beautiful there. If I had the opportunity I'd go there for sure. Amazing mixture of beaches and mountains. I wish you guys would stop bashing online courses, I took one and it's been sufficient.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 1:42 am Post subject:

Tech college students will not be on the front line of international negotiations - so what you have suggested will be fine. Clerical, office, call center, and other lower level functions will be fine for them. One of the best textbooks around for those type students is Business Venture I. I've used it in several countries and it is exactly what front line business people need.

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Bayden · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 988

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Ill always appreciate input Malsol, but I would of course prefer something that could be of benefit and help.

My inexperience is something I cannot avoid - but by the same token, I am arriving with a heck of a lot more experience than many TEFL teachers, you seem very quick to jump on me?

If you are really concerned about the quality of teaching candidates arriving in China, would it be better to help them? Or certainly speak to them first to find out exactly who they are, what experience they have, and what they can offer? If this site has a PM facility I would welcome an email from you...

Is my lack of degree your main concern? Fair enough...I cant counter that but to say I am embarking on a OU course to rectify the situation, although that will take time...

Im not going to Hainan to rubbish the name of TEFL teachers - and Im not a total newbie - I have spent 4 months in Western Kenya, much of this time was in schools, I have already spent 3 months in Wenchang, taking a minimum of 12 lessons a week, plus English Corner etc, working as an English teacher....and I have spent approx 10 years in positions of some responsibility in the UK, often 'teaching' new employees 'the ropes'.

Underqualified and inexperienced? maybe in some people eyes, but there are many worse...and Im here to admit I know I can learn more, and Im not scared to ask for and seek advice.

I have taught at the college where I will be working - although not many lessons....but would appreciate any advice you may have if you know the college I am placed at....

I take it you also know Wenchang No1 Middle School? That was where I did my 3 months..

Bayden · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 988

SkaSucks76 · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Beijing, China

Nick, congratulations on finding a position in Hainan, you lucky dog!

As for the elitist and his degree, you sound like you'd be fun at a party.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Thank you! The climate is of course a bonus - altho it does get a little too hot!! Im in a fairly small town by chinese standards...Wenchang, Im not really a big city guy.

Although Im naturally nervous...Im really looking forward to meeting all my students and getting into the classroom again!