Teaching ESL to casino employees

[jenn]

hi....I would really appreciate if anyone could email or post information on what to teach to multi level ---low.....casino employees...dealers. Thank you.

[joshua2004]

I don't think it matters whether its a doctor or a casino dealer as to what most of your English teaching will be about. Both have to know how to make small talk and more importantly, any communication uses the same structures. Such as: Can you pass me the stethoscope? Can you pass me the chips?

So any material you can find for teaching English at their level will be useful.

That said, if they are working now, I would teach them some phrases and questions they would hear in their workplace. Do lots of role plays in various situations common in a casino. Maybe find some interesting card games and teach them the rules in English. Summarize the rules to some basic simple directions like instructions for putting together a shelving unit.

I would definitely play card games. I used "go fish" to teach a beginner numbers.

[susanwilson]

I am an ESL teacher in a casino/resort too, and while I have not worked with dealers, I know that in all departments there is a big focus on improving guest service. This year I developed and taught two different classes focused on English for guest service. Some functions would be: responding to requests for "stuff"; apologizing;responding to guest complaints; politely refusing requests; giving directions to locations; providing information about casino amenities, referring guests to different departments; giving compliments; making suggestions vs. commands; asking permission. I don't know if you have done this already, but I would try to do a short needs assessment. Talk to the supervisors/pit bosses, etc. and find out what they think is important, where communication problems are occurring, etc. If explaining the rules of the various games is important, the'll let you know. You could make a list of potential topics, with some language examples for the topics, and ask them to prioritize. You will get more support from supervisors/management if they're involved in determining curriculum. Good luck.