Observing Classes with Micaela.

The group we happen to be observing during these last two weeks is a very special one. In fact, all groups can be said to be specially characterized by unique traits. However, from my experience in the teaching field, this 13 students' English course is particularly interesting.
The kind of English students are required to learn in this course is Business English. The reason for this is the school's business orientation. Unfortunately, these learners are evidently not in the least interested in the subject. They can't find any significant point in increasing their knowledge in terms of Customer Service, Customer support, Call Centres. And this is due to one obvious fact: "they are teenagers". Adolescents are constantly longing for effective ways of solving their imminent psyco-physical conflicts. They couldn't care less about business. Their thirst for feeling part of a widely accepted and acknowledged group and their not-always-evident need of a clear guide tend to deviate them from other matters. Therefore, it's a complete challenge for the teacher to give a class. It's not unusual to listen her complain for the lack of active participation or awakened interest in the tasks she sets to fulfill. Classes can be really tedious.

Though it will certainly be a challenge for Micaela and for me, we expect to find some business aspects that learners will feel closer to. Working with companies they feel at home with: Fast foods, clothes shops may be one alternative.

We'll see how we deal with this and will be commenting on the experience!