ESL Communication.docx

ESL Communication *Educators worldwide are faced with a vital challenge: closing the language education gap between traditional schooling and the practical language requirements of the modern workplace.* With English established as the language of international business and in light of our [ground-...

ESL Communication *Educators worldwide are faced with a vital challenge: closing the language education gap between traditional schooling and the practical language requirements of the modern workplace.* With English established as the language of international business and in light of our [ground-breaking new research](https://www.pearson.com/languages/why-pearson/the-global-scale-of-english/educators-impact-of-english-research.html), the need for education to address this disparity has never been more critical. In this blog post, we\'ll explore why teaching English through a lens of real-world application is necessary, what our research shows about the current gap in language education, and some ideas for how English teachers can integrate employability-focused lessons into their own English teaching curriculum. **Almost 20%** of the world\'s population [speaks English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English-speaking_world) as a first, second, or additional language, and many use it in their jobs. For many, *English proficiency means more than communication alone; it is also tied to career advancement, job opportunities, salary scales and job satisfaction.* [Our research](https://www.pearson.com/languages/en-us/why-pearson/the-global-scale-of-english/educators-impact-of-english-research.html) shows that a staggering 80% of professionals believe that fluency in English correlates with earning potential, and employees who are confident in their English language skills and abilities often report greater satisfaction with their jobs and income. A significant barrier to bridging the gap between educational English and workplace-ready skills lies in learners\' confidence levels. Many students, despite years of studying the language, feel unprepared and anxious about using English in a professional setting. This *lack of confidence can lead to missed opportunities and a reluctance to pursue certain career paths where English proficiency is paramount.* Pearson\'s research highlights a worrying reality---*many feel self-esteem issues due to limited language skills, with 19% saying they felt stupid because of their English.* **Belgin Elmas**, *Head of the English Language Teaching Department, TED University, Turkey * **A paradigm shift is crucial for teacher training** *\"Teacher education must rethink the way it prepares future teachers. Unless teacher training focuses more on the skills needed for real-world communication, the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is likely to persist, leaving today\'s learners and tomorrow\'s workers frustrated with knowing the rules but being unable to use them when they need to communicate.\"* **The education-employment divide** [In our report](https://www.pearson.com/languages/en-us/why-pearson/the-global-scale-of-english/educators-impact-of-english-research.html), **54% of English learners **said that they did not feel that their formal education had equipped them with adequate English proficiency. The data revealed significant differences between individual countries. For instance, only 17% of learners in Japan felt that their formal education had provided them with a good level of English proficiency, whereas in the US, this figure rose to 64%. Despite the clear benefits of English proficiency, a considerable divide remains between what students learn in school and the skills needed in the corporate arena. **Only a quarter of **learners feel fully equipped to utilize the *four key language skills -- listening, reading, speaking and writing -- in their jobs.* Out of all four skills, learners had the least confidence in speaking and writing. What\'s more, the anticipated impact of AI on white-collar jobs over the next decade underscores the need for not only English proficiency but also \"human skills\" such as *teamwork, leadership and collaboration---capabilities where proficient English is a key component.* **Professional development** These issues are not limited to preparing students for work. It was found that teacher confidence in speaking and writing, along with class size, can also limit the amount of time spent on developing these productive skills. Adequate support for educators and [[professional development]](https://www.pearson.com/languages/en-us/educators/professional-development.html) also needs to be a focus in order for students to find success. **Bridging the divide through curriculum innovation** The question, then, is how educators can bridge this gap, ensuring that students are not just learning English but are becoming proficient in its application within a professional context. ***Greater focus is needed on speaking practice*** Survey participants were asked about their perceived lack of relevant skills in English. The reasons they pointed out were related to the practical use of the language and can be narrowed down to three main factors: - Too much focus on grammar and vocabulary - Insufficient opportunities to practice English outside the classroom - Lack of English conversation practice in the classroom  Employers face a skills gap in speaking and writing. Unfortunately, education systems don\'t focus enough resources on developing these skills. **Educational strategies for teachers** Here are a few suggestions for incorporating more skills-based learning to better meet today\'s language learners\' needs. **Focus on functional language** *Highlight English that students can use in real-life scenarios, particularly in professional contexts; Role-play exercises (e.g., job interviews, email writing) can make learning more relevant and engaging.* For example, check out our Global Scale of English (GSE) learning objectives, which integrate these kinds of scenarios. **Integrate technology and gamification** Leverage the appeal of online resources and games to motivate students and provide opportunities for practice beyond the classroom, mirroring the preferences of your learners. Many language learners now incorporate some form of social media into their study routines. This trend underscores the *growing importance* *of digital platforms in facilitating not only language learning but also cultural immersion.* **Foster communication skills** Place a stronger emphasis on speaking and listening exercises to build confidence in these areas. Encourage debates, presentations and group discussions. Our language learning app Mondly by Pearson puts 560 minutes of speaking practice in your learners\' pockets, supplementing your teaching with even more opportunities to use English inside and outside of the classroom. ***Incorporate industry-specific vocabulary*** Customize lesson plans and courses to include terminology related to various fields, from IT to marketing, so students develop a specialized lexicon that will benefit them in the workplace. The [[GSE Toolkit]](https://www.english.com/gse/teacher-toolkit/user/vocabulary) can help you find topic-related vocabulary and give you helpful tips on when to teach it. **Brush up on your own English language skills** Keeping your own English skills fresh and well-practiced is important to ensure you\'re teaching your learners to a good standard. Look into courses and [professional development](https://www.pearson.com/languages/en-us/educators/professional-development.html), such as our [free course](https://pearson.tfaforms.net/3954) to improve your teaching with the Global Scale of English. **Partnerships with companies** *Partnerships between educational institutions and businesses can provide students with valuable insights into the workplace and the specific language skills required.* *Such collaborations can take the form of guest lectures, classes, internships (for* older and adult students), or mentorship programs, offering students first-hand experience of the professional environment. **Engagement with authentic materials and resources** Encourage the use of authentic materials in the classroom, such *as business English journals, podcasts, news articles and [blog posts](https://www.pearson.com/languages/en-us/community/blogs.html). [T]his not only enriches vocabulary but also acquaints learners with the language\'s contextual nuances, preparing them for real-world communication challenges*