Re-vamping

I've been working with quite a few advanced English learners recently, so it is time to update some of the resources I have gathered over many (!) years. Some of them are still appropriate, but others stick out as being “behind the times.” It's time to RE-VAMP!

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Relevant topics - Trying to learn telephone vocabulary now without talking about Smartphone features, apps and AI, for example, is absurd. With over 7.3 billion Smartphone users worldwide, it's crucial to incorporate modern technology into language learning.

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I just checked my resources folder and found that it contains 829 documents:

• Grammar lessons and explanations
• ? Exercises targeted at specific grammar topics
• Articles related to specific sectors/industries
• ? Themed infographics
• Stimulating visuals used for conversations
• Modules developed for particular situations
• Songs, stories, humor, and recipes
• Vocabulary lists by topic
• ? Situational role plays
• Articles about cultural differences
• ? Soft skills explorations

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From these, I pull out tried-and-true lesson plans that serve my purposes when I encounter a particular problem in a client's communication. The materials are tailor-picked from my resources to work with that particular client. And if I don’t have a file for a specific difficulty, I just create it!

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Feedback - One of the best pieces of feedback I’ve received recently from one of my clients was:

“You always make me think!”

I am proud that while my clients are advancing in their English capabilities, self-reflection and self-awareness are also happening, both for them and for me! We are talking about everyday occurrences as well as business-related scenarios, after all. With each client, different emotions and stories emerge from our memories as we reflect on the subject matter.

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Emotional Intelligence - As a client’s vocabulary, structures, and types of situations in which they feel confident increase, the ideas and feelings they can express also become more complex. The hierarchy of which structures can express higher-level thinking (critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, creativity, emotion, intuition) causes clients to be inspired by these exercises and gain fluency. Confidence comes from seeing themselves able to express complicated ideas.

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Research shows that emotional intelligence is linked to higher performance in the workplace. In fact, 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence. It’s not just the technical, negotiation, or leadership skills that my clients need. By creating new thought passageways for analytical, creative, and emotional expression, they can benefit from higher-level, newly-created bridges between their OWN ideas.

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Visuals - Some of my materials and infographics were designed by me on Canva . Visuals are a key part of successful assimilation. As teachers, trainers, and coaches, we only have a limited time (one to two hours a week, plus minimal time outside of sessions) to make an advance. Our materials are competing for attention as we try to achieve the client’s #ESL goals and our own objectives as educators. Consequently, my materials must be visually attractive, colorful, balanced, and thought-provoking.

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Studies have shown that visual aids in education can improve learning by up to 400%. I guess the bar I hold is my own subjective code of visual conduct: if it’s attractive to me, it will also be attractive to the client. Of course, this is only true of the clients who have my same type of visual taste. That’s OK. It means that the visuals will attract my tribe, or at least people who appreciate my experience.

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Ultimately, the goal is to foster an environment where clients not only improve their advanced English skills but also enhance their critical thinking and emotional intelligence. By evolving our resources and tailoring our approaches, we create a dynamic learning experience that resonates deeply with each individual.

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This holistic growth is what creates true progress in both personal and professional realms. Together, we build the confidence to communicate effectively, think critically, and connect emotionally. This way, every session can be a step towards greater self-awareness and success.

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Sources -

Statista. "Number of Smartphone users worldwide from 2016 to 2023." Statista

Bradberry, Travis, and Jean Greaves. "Emotional Intelligence 2.0." Talentsmart . 2009.

3M Corporation. "The Power of Visual Communication." 3M Meeting Network. 3M 公司