Teaching English in Multinational Groups Kosztasz Panajotu MLTC Budapest

Content of presentation Introduction Introduction Special features of multinational groups Special features of multinational groups Effects of special features Effects of special features Ways of problem management Ways of problem management

Introduction MLTC – 10 years of experience MLTC – 10 years of experience 6 – 14 different nations represented 6 – 14 different nations represented Students from ex-WP states and Balkans countries Students from ex-WP states and Balkans countries Teaching general AND military English Teaching general AND military English Limited timeframe Limited timeframe Highly qualified teaching staff Highly qualified teaching staff

Special features of multinational groups 1 Common language – English Common language – English Effects: slow progress in low-level groups; Effects: slow progress in low-level groups; Ways to manage: Ts with some knowledge of „majority language” (Russian) Ways to manage: Ts with some knowledge of „majority language” (Russian)

Special features of multinational groups 2 Differences in levels due to various exam systems Differences in levels due to various exam systems Effects: heterogeneous groups Effects: heterogeneous groups Ways to manage: Ways to manage: - Thorough pre-course assessment - Fine tuning phase in weeks 1-2

Special features of multinational groups 3 Different cultural background Different cultural background Effects: difficult common conversation topics in General English course books Effects: difficult common conversation topics in General English course books Body language problems Ways to manage: Ways to manage: - create an „own” English culture during course - use for generating information gap - special attention to the use of gestures

Special features of multinational groups 4 Political conflicts at home Political conflicts at home Effects: sensitive class composition; Effects: sensitive class composition; taboo topics taboo topics Ways to manage: Ways to manage: - Careful teaching - Maintaining a delicate balance - „psychologist” teachers

Special features of multinational groups 5 Different structures of armed forces Different structures of armed forces Effects: difficulties with teaching military terminology Effects: difficulties with teaching military terminology Ways to manage: Ways to manage: - detailed introduction to the issue with focus on „elementary” issues - no procedures taught! (except special courses) - use for generating information gap

Special features of multinational groups 6 Lack of IT background Lack of IT background Effects: Internet-based research hard or impossible Effects: Internet-based research hard or impossible Ways to manage: Ways to manage: - additional IT classes (takes time but worth)

Special features of multinational groups 7 Different perception of T’s role Different perception of T’s role Effects: Passive attitude, expecting ready-made materials Effects: Passive attitude, expecting ready-made materials Ways to manage: Ways to manage: - Gradual involvement in pair- and groupwork activities - Making Ss aware of progress

Conclusion Related difficulties can be not much bigger than in single-nation groups Related difficulties can be not much bigger than in single-nation groups Many advantages and disadvantages Many advantages and disadvantages Ts with special and complementary preparation can manage disadvantages and exploit adv-ges Ts with special and complementary preparation can manage disadvantages and exploit adv-ges Ts MUST have special preparation Ts MUST have special preparation Significant part of teaching is other than linguistic work Significant part of teaching is other than linguistic work

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your kind attention. Have you got any questions?