Smart Talk: Polite Negotiation through PhBL, a Finnish-Inspired Digital ELT Model for Business English Learners
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Peninsula College (Northern) Sdn. Bhd.
Abstract
This extended abstract presents a phenomenon-based English language lesson for tertiary learners focusing on polite negotiation in workplace scenarios. Titled Smart Talk: Polite Negotiation Through PhBL, this lesson design integrates Finnish-inspired pedagogical principles and 21st century digital tools to enhance learner motivation, communication fluency, and critical thinking in a Business English context. Targeting Diploma in International Business students (CEFR B1–B2), the lesson revolves around the real-world phenomenon: How can we handle professional conflict politely in English? Students engage in scaffolded, collaborative tasks using Padlet, Google Classroom, Google Lens, Google Form, YouTube, and speech-to-text tools to build vocabulary, explore polite modal grammar, perform recorded role plays, and conduct peer and self-assessment. Each stage is designed to strengthen digital literacy, workplace readiness, and authentic language use. This paper discusses how this structured yet flexible model fosters autonomy and engagement while demonstrating how simple tools can facilitate a meaningful ELT experience.