Special Interest Groups

Welcome to the Business English SIG page. Our goal is to bring together all of our current and new ETAS business group members to share ideas and to keep updated on the latest ETAS events going on around Switzerland and beyond.

If you have any questions or are interested in joining the Business English SIG, please feel free to email your BESIG Coordinator Markus Dietz at business@e-tas.ch

Top image credit/copyright: Szefei / Shutterstock / single-user standard license.

In an increasingly converging world, the ability to lead, manage and motivate appropriately across cultures will be the defining criteria for being successful in international endeavours whether business, political or social. To overcome the staggering variety of communication styles and facilitate successful outcomes, all parties need to recognize the importance of intercultural communication skills.

The Drama and Literature SIG aims to promote and support the use of literature and drama activities, drama in education, and related teaching (and research) strategies in English language teaching. 

As an ESP SIG our aim is to provide a forum for ESP teachers, to share what we have in common, swap what we don't, and to provide support and encouragement to all those setting out on the ESP road.​

CLIL stands for 'Content and Language Integrated Learning' and is an umbrella term for a teaching method which integrates the teaching of content from the curriculum with a non-native language. This can be by the English teacher using cross-curricular content or the subject teacher using English as the language of instruction.

The use of technology has played an important role among both English language learners and teachers and it has been used to both assist and enhance language learning.

The Learning Technology SIG aims to provide a space where teachers can reflect and share new ideas when it comes to using technology in the language learning. The LT SIG’s objective is not only to keep teachers up-to-date on the new trends on digital learning but also to encourage the ones who are still reluctant to integrate these tools with their students.

The ETAS Materials Writers Special Interest Group (MaW SIG) is for anybody interested in creating their own classroom materials, as well as for writers aiming to become published ELT authors. Our workshops will focus on coursebooks, teacher handbooks and the process of publication and self-publication.

The Research SIG goals are to promote and support research in English language teaching, including but not limited to the nature of research in ELT, the processes of doing, disseminating and evaluating research, as well as the role and relevance of research on ELT teaching practice and material design.

The SCT&TE SIG aims to bring English Language Teachers and English Language Teacher Educators from all sectors and cantons of the Swiss education system together.  So, whether you work at a PH, an English department within a University of Applied Sciences or University, Business school, within the Secondary (lower and upper) and Primary sectors, international school, private or public, experienced or just starting out in the Swiss education system in any shape or form then this SIG is for YOU! 

Image credit: Beautiful Faces of Palestine / Foter / CC BY

Teaching is a demanding job and even the best of us feel down-hearted and stale sometimes. The TTD SIG offers support for EFL teachers and would like to help and try out new paths and new ideas so that we can constantly approach the job from refreshing and exciting angles. You are invited to participate - take on more responsibility for your own professional growth. It also offers the opportunity to explore different and new methods and approaches and is also the perfect SIG to join if you are new to teaching.

Picture with permission of Neil Bullock

ETAS TEA SIG aims to provide a platform for members to share, discuss and source information, help, and resources on all aspects of language testing and assessment. Whether you assess your own learners in continuous assessment, provide pre-learning formative assessment or are involved in main frame examinations board or high stakes specific purpose testing, this SIG is for you.

Teaching young people is often seen as one of the biggest challenges in EFL, not only do they come with their own motivational issues but often these are mixed-ability group classes and teachers face the added challenge of following fixed curriculum, pleasing parents and ensuring the results are up to scratch, not to mention report writing and piles of marking!

Here at ETAS YL&Teen Special Interest Group  we know how this feels and we’re here to share all the resources and practical tips you need.