English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level from Coursera

The purpose of this course is to provide linguistic tools for effective interaction strategies in the professional context, according to what is established in the lower-intermediate level (B1) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Organizations from different sectors, such as agriculture, mining, industry, and hotels and tourism, require officials and administrators capable of using and applying English competitively in their work activities, to facilitate their interaction with English-speaking peers and thus position and consolidate themselves in the national and international markets. For this reason, by expanding your lexical and grammatical inventory in the English language, the professional value increases, increasing labor skills and, consequently, providing greater mobility in this regard.

The course, which is self-instructional, uses videos and reading texts in order to contextualize recurring work situations. The lexical and syntactic forms reviewed in each module are presented through characters and avatars that are part of the course narrative. There are also content application exercises in response to the virtual teacher's expository capsules.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction: Welcome to the course!

Welcome to English for Interactions in the Workplace! In this course, we will analyze the essential lexical-grammatical structures in the linguistic expression of effective interaction strategies, such as: work context, personal events, events and work habits in the workplace, at an intermediate level. Each module is divided into two lessons. Lesson 1 of each module contains a video of the English used in context, and then a Focus on Grammar and a Focus on Vocabulary. Lesson 2 contains a reading text, and then a Focus on Grammar and a Focus on Vocabulary. At the end of each module, you’ll find a Formative Test, a Module Test, a Glossary, and a Summary. Notice that each Module Test counts as 10% of your final grade. During the final week of the course, be sure to complete the Final Exam, which counts as 60% of your final grade. We’re glad to have you with us! Let’s get started! During this first week, take time to familiarize yourself with the contents of the entire course. You can begin working on Week 2 anytime you like.

Module 1: First job and Company history

The first part of this module is based on the topic "First job experience". The grammar structure that is analyzed here is the form and use of the past simple tense. Then, in the second part, we’ll be focusing on the ‘’Company History’’, examining some useful expressions to describe the history of a company. In terms of grammar, we’ll analyze the prepositions of time.

Module 2: Working Under Pressure

The objective of the module is to apply relevant lexical-grammatical structures to describe emotions and their management in situations of pressure at work.

Module 3: Discussing Quantities

The module opens with a video showing a typical conversation between two colleagues at lunchtime. In this part, our attention is focused on the expressions used to describe different types of food and also on quantifiers, countable and uncountable nouns. The module continues with a text about shopping during the pandemic where more quantifiers are being presented. Also, in the second part we’ll be analyzing the expressions used when shopping.

Module 4: The Sales Meeting

The topic of the module is sales and the way of improving them in a business. By watching the video at the beginning of this module and reading the text that opens the second part of the module, we’ll become familiar with various grammar structures, such as conditional clauses and forms to express future plans. In addition, we’ll be analyzing expressions to describe strategies used to improve the sales of a business.

Course Completion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops key professional communication strategies for work activities

Suitable for intermediate learners, specifically at the B1 level of the CEFR

Incorporates videos, readings, and interactive exercises for practical application

May require familiarity with basic English grammar and vocabulary

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level with these activities:

Vocabulary Expansion

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Enhances vocabulary to improve comprehension and expression of ideas in professional contexts.

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Read articles and texts related to business and workplace scenarios.
Identify new and unfamiliar words.
Use dictionaries or online tools to look up meanings and usages.

Practice Pronunciation

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Helps improve pronunciation and intonation to enhance clarity and confidence in workplace communication.

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Listen to recorded audio of native speakers.
Practice speaking aloud, imitating the pronunciation and intonation of native speakers.

Email Etiquette for Business Communication

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Provides guidance on appropriate email etiquette for professional interactions, ensuring clarity and professionalism in written communication.

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Find online tutorials or articles on email etiquette for business.
Practice writing emails using the guidelines and best practices learned.
Seek feedback or review emails with a colleague or mentor.

Four other activities

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Group Discussions on Workplace Scenarios

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Improves communication and critical thinking skills by engaging in discussions on real-world workplace scenarios.

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Form study groups with classmates or colleagues.
Choose relevant workplace scenarios for discussion.
Participate in discussions, sharing perspectives and offering solutions.

Create a Presentation on Effective Workplace Communication

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Develops presentation skills and deepens understanding of effective communication techniques in the workplace.

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Research and gather information on best practices for workplace communication.
Design slides and outline key points and examples.
Practice delivering the presentation, seeking feedback for improvement.

Workplace Language Exchange

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Provides a practical and immersive way to enhance communication skills in a real-world workplace environment.

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Find opportunities for language exchange with non-native speakers in the workplace.
Engage in conversations and practice using English in authentic workplace scenarios.
Reflect on experiences and identify areas for improvement.

Workplace Communication Simulation Competition

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Challenges students to apply communication skills and critical thinking in a simulated workplace environment, promoting collaboration and problem-solving abilities.

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Form teams and identify an workplace problem to solve.
Research, develop, and present a communication strategy to address the problem.
Participate in simulations and demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Career center

Learners who complete English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative provides support to customers by phone, email, or chat. Customer Service Representatives answer questions, resolve problems, and process orders. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Customer Service Representatives communicate effectively with customers and provide excellent customer service.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Communications Manager

A Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing communications strategies for an organization. Communications Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the media. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Communications Managers communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and develop clear and concise messages.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies for an organization. Marketing Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the media. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Marketing Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise marketing campaigns.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. Project Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including team members, clients, and vendors. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Project Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise project plans.

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Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and managing a sales team. Sales Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including sales representatives, customers, and executives. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Sales Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise sales strategies.

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Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of human resources for an organization. Human Resources Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Human Resources Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise policies and procedures.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT systems. IT Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, customers, and vendors. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help IT Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise technical specifications.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of software products. Quality Assurance Analysts work with a variety of stakeholders, including developers, testers, and customers. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Quality Assurance Analysts communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise test plans.

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Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's operations. Operations Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Operations Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise operating procedures.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst works with stakeholders to understand their business needs and then develops solutions to meet those needs. Business Analysts use a variety of techniques to gather and analyze data, including interviews, surveys, and data mining. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Business Analysts communicate effectively with stakeholders and develop clear and concise solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. Data Analysts use a variety of statistical and programming techniques to analyze data. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Data Analysts communicate effectively with stakeholders and develop clear and concise reports.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for planning, developing, and launching new products. Product Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including engineers, designers, and marketing managers. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Product Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise product specifications.

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Training and Development Manager

A Training and Development Manager is responsible for planning and delivering training programs for employees. Training and Development Managers work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Training and Development Managers communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and develop clear and concise training materials.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice to organizations on a variety of topics, such as business strategy, operations, and human resources. Consultants work with a variety of clients, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can help Consultants communicate effectively with clients and develop clear and concise recommendations.

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Administrator

An Administrator manages a wide range of duties, including maintaining office records, organizing files, and preparing reports. An Administrator may also perform human resources tasks, such as payroll and benefits administration. The course, English for Interactions in the Workplace Intermediate Level, can be useful for Administrators who need to interact effectively with colleagues and clients in a professional setting.

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