APPLYING EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR LEARNING ENGLISH WHILE DEVELOPING EXAM TAKING SKILLS FOR THE BEC HIGHER EXAMINATION

The aim of this paper is to explore teaching tools and methods, which were designed and applied, for learning English and exam taking techniques simultaneously.

Many students in Austria and all over the world prepare for and take the Business English Certificate – Higher (BEC – Higher) examinations. Successful completion of this examination is proof that the student is able to communicate and interpret the English language effectively in the context of business.

The Cambridge Certificate Examination Programme is one of the most reputable and recognized certificate programmes in the world. Passing the examinations is not with out its challenge, especially to students who are learning English as a second language in the Business field.

Learners of English as a second language who want to take the BEC – Higher examination often struggle with; bringing their English to the proper level to successfully pass the examination while taking an examination whose format is often very unfamiliar to them.

Learning tools and methods were designed and implemented based on existing BEC - Higher examination information with the intention to further develop and improve the students’ English learning skills and exam taking skills simultaneously, in the classroom. These tools were applied over the span of one semester in four courses; two of which consisted of 13 lessons of 1.5 hours each and, two which consisted of 10 lessons of 2.5 hours each.

To determine the effectiveness of the tools and the method applied, the students were given a survey to complete at the course. The survey asked them about the learning tools they received throughout the semester and the way the tools were applied. Potential improvements the tools and methods might need and potential disadvantages were also explored.

The survey results demonstrate that the design and application of these tools was helpful in improving their English language and exam taking skills at the same time, while building the students’ confidence level.