Developing a Business English Beiwaionline – the 1 st phase Presented by Xiang, Shu Chair tutor The Institute of Online Education Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

Topics Background Problem Goals Current situation analysis Course development – 1 st phase Forming a team Defining objectives Conceptualizing framework Selecting contents Developing sample unit (script + courseware) Problems & solutions – lessons learned Wrap-up – get ready for the 2 nd phase

Background About Beiwaionline – the Institute of Online education of BFSU Online degree programs Testing center for BEC exams – training programs About Beiwaionline – degree programs In-service people Online learning

The currently in-use business English course materials are problematic, a new business English course needs to be developed. Problem The current business English Beiwaionline - BA program: Intended for learners from a different learning and cultural background No copyright – impossible to make courseware for online learners

Goals To develop an appropriate business English course for Beiwaionline learners For the online BA program Preparing learners for BEC tests (BEC V) Training materials for BEC test training programs (minor)

Current situation analysis Curriculum of BA program Learners ’ needs and wants analysis Study on BEC tests (BEC V) Liter-review on online learning and learners

Course development – 1 st phase A team was formed. Then, based on the results of current situation analysis: Course objectives were defined Course framework was conceptualized Course contents were selected Sample unit was developed Script Courseware Feedback & improvements

Course objectives: to introduce business info & vocabulary To improve students ’ English proficiency (4 skills) in a business context to prepare learners (BA program) for practical project design and thesis writing (business) to prepare students for BEC V test

Course framework: Two courses: Business English 1 & 2 (8 units/course) Suggested study hours: 8 study hours + 2 community hours (f2f tutorials)/unit Unit structure 2 topics (sub-topics)/unit 4 activities (listening, reading, writing, speaking)/section 3 tasks (pre, while, post)/ activity 1 supplementary listening /listening activity 1 supplementary reading /reading activity Script developing guidelines (for writers) Courseware developing guidelines (for technicians)

Course Contents: Introduction (Unit 1) – today ’ s business world Management (5 units) – human resources, communication, technology, company development Finance (3 units) – financial statements, financial planning, performance evaluation Customer (2 units) – getting to know your customers, improving customer service Production&Marketing (4 units) – production, competition, public relations, promotion Closing (Unit 16) - globalization

Sample unit – Unit 1 Introduction to Today ’ s Business World Script: Topic 1 The structure of organizations Listening Activity Objectives Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Key concepts and vocabulary Supplementary listening Reading Activity Writing Activity Speaking Activity Topic 2 Corporate culture

Demo courseware

Feedback & improvements: During the process of developing the sample unit, guidelines were modified and improved.

Problems & Solutions Online education vs. f2f education Sharing & learning – reading & discussing Time control Realistic and reasonable timetable Appropriate time assigned to each piece of work Agreed by all team members in different departments Strong emphasis on deadlines accountability for consequences of unfulfilled deadlines Coordination among team members Well informed of individual responsibilities Strong sense of deadlines Planning ahead Direct (f2f) communication Communication between educators and technicians – Common language Getting to know a little bit of each other ’ s field Direct (f2f) communication Setting rules together

Wrap-up Developing a BE course – the 1 st phase Goals objectives framework contents sample unit curriculum Needs & wants BEC Liter-review Problems & Solutions Current situation analysis 2nd phase Course development 1st phase team Problem

Lessons learned for a smoother progress in the 2 nd phase Experience and expertise gained to share with online course developers

Thank you! Any questions or comments?