Beyond the classroom: Monitoring at industry

Traditionally, English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors have operated within the domain of academia. However, the present demand in vocational ESL for concise and effective language training programs has forced instructors to expand their domain and become more aware of the needs of business and industry. Some of these programs have, in fact, developed a partnership with industry in which vocational training is done through direct on-the-job experience. In addition, vocational English instruction is closely coordinated with the communication needs of the trainee working in that particular industry. The link between such VESL programs and business and industry lies in the instructor's role as training monitor. This article will describe the role of an instructor monitoring on-site at industry.