Inside the Curriculum I Use to Teach High Level English Language Learners

I usually use a premeditated curriculum when working with most students. I have 3 completed courses ranging from 70 - 200 pages pertaining to Conversation & Corrections, Grammar, and Business as well as others in development. However, I do not follow any of these in sequential order. On the contrary, I prescribe, like a doctor would, bits and parts of each curriculum based on the student's level, interests, and communicative goals. I'm sharing this in hopes you'll gain insight into how I set the stage for learning. And see why I think it’s one of the best approaches to not only learning English but becoming a better overall communicator. One who eventually feels genuine speaking confidence and mastery because of numerous on-target language acquisition activities, practice, and learning opportunities.  

Expert Advise for Business Negotiations

You must be able to play poker with the other side, and be able to walk away if the terms of the deal aren’t up to your liking. This is easier said than done, but is sometimes critical to get to an end game. Know before you start what your target price or walk away price is. Be prepared with market data to back up why your price is reasonable, and if you are confronted with an ultimatum that you absolutely can’t live with, be prepared to walk away.

Phrasal Verbs - Separable vs Inseparable

Phrasal verbs are difficult because you can’t learn the meaning of each phrasal verb from the words alone - you’ll need to be familiar with them and have context. Also, many phrasal verbs are very similar (take up, take on, take in, take over, etc.) and a number of phrasal verbs have multiple meanings….ugh?!?!?! Moreover, phrasal verbs are more similar to vocabulary than to an English verb structure with rules and clues (there’s no “rule” for looking at a phrasal verb and knowing what type it is!). The best way is just to study each phrasal verb in context with lots of examples.