Recommended Books and Tools for Teaching and Learning Business English
Business English is a highly sought after skill that requires experience in the classroom.
As with everything in life, there are numerous ways to go about it and teach and learn Business English. However, not all approaches may be equally effective. In this article, we will discuss some of the best books and tools we have used for teaching and learning business English. (And yes, some affiliate links may be included! That’s where I bought the stuff!)
1. “Business Result” Textbook
Textbooks are probably the most classical way to teach basic business English concepts. They provide a structured learning environment and allow students to interact with the material in a variety of ways.
Good business English textbooks are made to help students improve their essential vocabulary and grammar while also providing them with strategies and structures for real-life situations. They should be four-skill specific. In other words, it should include exercises that support speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
Business Result
Business Result is a great series of Business English textbooks that range from beginner to more advanced levels. They are practical in the sense that they focus on real, relevant communication skills students can immediately use in the workplace.
2. “English for Everyone” Self-study book
English for Everyone Slipcase: Business English Box Set: Course and Practice Books ”A Complete Self-Study Program
Some students will ask for additional materials to practice at home. I would always recommend this self-study guide. It is best suited for those with intermediate or higher English skills.
The most useful English grammar and business vocabulary are tied into everyday workplace situations, such as interviews, meetings, presentations, sales pitches, formal
and informal phone calls, business travel, and conferences. Essential documents, such as job applications, resumes, and formal emails,
are analyzed in detail, making them easy to understand and replicate. The “English for Everyone Program” is a great way to learn business English that provides a variety of interactive exercises and allows students to practice what they have learned in a real-world setting.
3. Interactive tools
Or are you looking for a more exciting way to spice up your lessons and get students more involved in the classroom? Why not bring in some noise and speed by using buzzers? These can be used for quizzes, ice-breakers and any other interactive, team-building exercise. It can be just as fun for adults and helps break away from the traditional learning environment every now and then.
4. Games
Helping students ease up and have them practice their speaking skills is best done through role-play and games. Try out this game of Taboo. A very entertaining board
game to train great vocabulary. It is suitable from basic knowledge and for all ages.
5. Technology
Traditional classrooms demand a lot of time and resources,which can make it difficult for teachers to keep up with the changing demands of the modern classroom today.
Technology makes it possible to incorporate effective teaching tools into the classroom whenever and wherever an educator wants.
From the internet, to Amazon online, video streaming, and social media, new tools are continually emerging and available to help all teachers benefit from.
If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend this course on “Successful Business Writing - How to Write Business Letters, Emails, Reports, Minutes and for Social Media”. Hopefully, this may prompt you with enough ideas to get you started!
6. Language Translator Device
Oh, how I wish we had these back in Asia 20 years ago! Now, if your students are really
in need of more help or you seem to struggle to understand what it is they are trying to say due to language barriers, try this awesome translation device. 112 Languages, Real-Time Instant Voice Translation, a pen scanner, Photo Translation and Language Recording, Text-to-Speech and E-Dictionary. What more could you ask for! Such a helpful tool to have around should everything else fail!
7. Native English Speakers
Last but definitely not least and probably the most obvious choice if available is to recommend your students to get real life practice. Maybe you can connect them with other Native English speakers who might even want to learn the language your students speak. A win-win for everyone! This will always be the best practice to learn a language in a natural setting and give your students feedback on pronunciation and grammar.