Post by: Patrick Chan and Vanessa Nino
On March 26, 2021 we discussed Workplace English on Twitter. The guest moderator of the evening was Patrick Chan (@patchantweets). Patrick Chan currently serves as the Social Content Committee Chair for TESL Ontario. He is also Technological Lead in TESL Ontario’s Conference Committee and the current president of TESL Ottawa. In addition to these roles, he is a LINC instructor in Ottawa. Along with his Ontario Certified English Language Teacher (OCELT) designation, he is an Ontario Certified Teacher. He has taught Workplace English for many years.
These questions guided our 1-hour long chat:
- What topics would you look at in a Workplace English classroom?
- What resources do you use to teach Workplace English?
- How do you approach the topic of culture in a Workplace English classroom?
- What EdTech tools do you use in a Workplace English class?
Read the #teslONchat discussion on Twitter.
#teslONchat’s Evening Highlights
Teaching Workplace English can be quite a daunting task. When instructors start teaching Workplace English, many do not know where to turn. Fortunately, the internet has a plethora of free resources that you could use to teach Workplace English.
- The use of workplace podcasts can be beneficial to these classes.
- Workplaces look fairly different amongst the different workplaces, so students would benefit from exploring the different workplaces and the cultures associated with these workplaces.
- Exploring the differences in the information people provide in resumes and other job search differences between countries is worthwhile
- It is important to recognize and provide safe spaces where learners can explore the ideas and opinions surrounding Workplace culture. In fact, this is true for all classes regarding the topic of culture.
- There are many H5P and OERs resources out there for instructors to use.
Resources shared throughout the chat
- Tutela H5P Stage 2 Collection EdTech Tool
- Healthy Workplaces by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Rights Bites podcasts and lesson plans by Cleo Connect
- Pragmatic Patterns for Business: Professional Language Competencies by Norquest College
- Business Writing For Everyone by Arley Cruthers Open Educational Resource
- In the Workplace: An Intermediate Integrated Skills Textbook Open Educational Resource from Bow Valley College
- Resolve conflict: Everyone can win Podcast
- Dear HBR: The advice show for workplace dilemmas Podcast
- English at Work by BBC Learning English
- Vocabulary Building Workbook Textbook
- Workplace Vocabulary Building Workbook Quizlet by Bonnie J Nicholas
Join Us
#teslONchat will be hosted on our Twitter page once a month. If you’re interested in sharing your passion or expertise in a specific topic please reach out to us on Twitter – @TESLOntario. You can also complete this form to express interest.
Join us on Friday, April 30, 2021! We will be discussing teaching the different language skills in English (e.g. Listening, Speaking, Vocabulary) with Cecilia Aponte-de-Hanna (@capontedehanna).
Vanessa is the manager of TESL Ontario’s Twitter. Find Vanessa tweeting over @vnino23
