BETT

Midterm Assignment ( after phase 4)

1.List five different situations which may crop up during a training session. Select any three from
your list and write how you as a trainer would handle the situation. (400 words)

As a Business English trainer, I experienced the following situations having considerable

influence on my teaching.

 Breakdown of technology used for training.

 All participants team together against the trainer and start non cooperation movement
 Disagreement with one of the participant resulting into constant disturbance from him
 Trainer health deteriorate during training session
 Training session goes wonderfully well beyond expectations of both trainer and trainees
 Mixed-level classes                                                                                   
 Learners’ aberrant behavior
 Challenges relating to the teaching-learning environment       
 My (teacher’s) attitude towards the course
 Management’s changed attitude towards the course

I. MIXED LEVEL CLASSES

Business English classes are usually of mixed levels. In tackling them, first I filter them
according to the Needs Analysis; I reduce my talking time (teacher’s talk-time) which increases
their performance. Periodically, I use open-ended activities like interviews and informal
discussions not only to subgroup them but also while monitoring their learning capacities and
confidence levels in tackling a situation.

Toggling among individual, pair, group and whole class activities can reverse monotony and
preserve high energy-levels. By keeping additional activities at hand to supplement the fast
learners, I switch to an alternative activity in case a planned one fails. Apart from giving the
students the lead in choosing their groups, I administer the following methodology. 

DEMONSTRATION    >   UTILITY EXPLANATION/ INSTRUCTIONS   >   STUDENTS’

ACTIVITIES

II. LEARNERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE COURSE

Business English participants are adults, educated to the extent determined by the Needs Analysis.
Hence, classroom activities should be interactive, learner-centered and learners’ need-determined to
reduce commonly prevailing doubt and skepticism. I employ activities like incomplete story-boards,
gap-filling/info-filling exercises, making placards, role-plays, and problem solving tasks, case
studies, gathering information from resources, etc., to trigger and sustain student-participation. By
addressing their immediate office needs, I can reduce my learners’ WIIIFM [what is in it for me]
attitude, and transform them into being effective resources.

Once they feel their unquestionable sway in the classroom, other challenges like low-motivation,
dragging pace absenteeism, tardiness and disinterestedness would diminish before disappearing
permanently. Yet if they prevail, I resort to direct communication with my learners and find out the
reason(s). I don’t hesitate to review the needs analysis to consolidate their faith in me.

 III. IMPACT OF MANAGEMENTS’ DECISION

The instructor’s anticipation of a management’s altered decisions can project his self reliance, check
the sprouting inconvenience, minimize friction, maximize student-faith, and fortify their
participation. For instance, when the management changes the program venue to an inconvenient
location, I explain the detrimental factors and suggest them an alternative venue which I keep at
hand. In case of their disapproval, I employ measures like using battery-run electronic equipment to
overcome power- related issues. 

Further, while decisions like inclusion and exclusion of students without prior intimation can affect
the instructor’s morale, others like postponing the very program to a later date or canceling it
permanently can trigger jeopardy. Although there is very little left on my (the instructor’s) side to
reverse these situations, regular written reminders and personal interview(s) with the concerned
official result in the frictionless continuation of the program.

2. You have been asked to train a group of entry level executives in the marketing division
of a Multinational Company. Write in detail how you will conduct a need analysis for the said
group. Who would you approach and what are the methods and techniques you will use and why?
(500 words)