Collins ELT
Independent Learning - More than meets the eye
There is no doubt that independent learning is a tricky topic for EFL teachers. This approach of independent learning, where students take control of their own work and organise and manage their studies, is promoted widely in UK universities as a way to enable students to unlock valuable skills such as self-awareness, self-motivation, and decision-making abilities. Skills which are undoubtedly valued in the workplace, especially in high-level jobs where autonomy, evaluation and quick incisive decision-making are great assets.
Where to start when softening your English accent
Changing an accent is not an overnight task and many people try and fail because they don’t know the best way to approach accent modification and become overwhelmed. The trouble is we talk all the time without even thinking about it, so when we try and think ‘how do I say that?’ we can’t answer.
Problematic Sounds For Many Non-native Speakers
One of the most challenging sounds for non-native speakers of English is actually the most common sound in the English language! That sound is The Schwa. The schwa is a very subtle, quiet sound – you may barely have noticed it, but without it, you can never hope to capture the rhythm of English. Any written vowel can be replaced by the schwa if it’s in an unstressed syllable.
Make Your Meetings Work
There are three main strategies that we teach to non-native speaker executives running, or taking part in, international meetings, either virtual or face-to-face.
The outcomes for them are confidence, greater fluency and the ability to run meetings, or take part in meetings, more effectively.
Thinking outside the language box: Business Speaking
How can we help our students to become confident speakers of English? James Schofield, author of Collins English for Business: Speaking, Collins Workplace English and Collins Workplace English 2, shares his insights.