Once in a while a student will say he or she is going through a difficult financial moment and due to other financial commitments, such as getting a new apartment, or they have been terminated from their company, or some health issue, they will ask for some time away from classes. It can be for a couple of months or maybe longer – there have been cases they suspended their course for one or two years.
Today I’d like to share some tips on how to have a last class session with your student (especially in one on one cases). It’s important to make the session meaningful, encouraging, and supportive. Here are a few ideas for how to approach the session:
1. Reflect on Progress and Achievements
- Take a moment to look back at all the progress the student has made throughout your lessons. Acknowledge their hard work, commitment, and any specific milestones they’ve reached. This will help them feel proud of their achievements and motivated to return.
- You can even ask them to share what they’ve learned and how they feel about their journey.
2. Offer Practical Advice for Business English
- As your focus has been on Business English, give them some practical tips and resources they can use while they are away. Offer some self-study suggestions to help them maintain and improve their skills.
- You might recommend useful podcasts, books, websites, or even online communities they can engage with.
- Podcasts for Business English
- BBC Learning English – Business Daily
- Focuses on real-world business trends and vocabulary. Episodes are short and packed with useful content.
- The Art of Charm
- Great for improving soft skills like communication and networking in a professional setting.
- Harvard Business Review IdeaCast
- Offers insights on leadership, strategy, and management with clear, professional English.
- All Ears English
- Though not strictly for business, this podcast has episodes on improving speaking confidence and professional English.
3. Personalized Farewell
- Consider writing a small note or card for your student, acknowledging their hard work and expressing that you look forward to seeing them return in 2025. The gesture would be meaningful and provide emotional support.
- If you have shared any fun or memorable moments during lessons, you could bring these up to make the farewell more personal.
4. Set Goals for Their Return
- It can usually be an awkward situation for both teacher and student. Discuss the possibility of them returning to classes in 2025. Help them set specific language goals they can aim for before coming back. Perhaps suggest areas to focus on, like certain business topics, vocabulary, or skills.
5. End on a Positive Note
- Finish the session with something enjoyable: a short, engaging activity or discussion about business topics they enjoy. This ensures that the last class is something they will remember fondly and positively.
6. Reassure and Support
- Since the reason for the end of the classes is financial difficulties, it’s important to be empathetic and supportive. Express that you understand their situation, reassure them that they’re welcome to come back when things are better, and that you’re rooting for their success.
Suggested Structure for the Class:
- Warm-Up (5-10 minutes): Casual conversation to catch up and reflect on their journey.
- Review Key Learnings (15-20 minutes): Go over the most important topics they’ve learned in your classes and allow them to ask any final questions.
- Practical Business English Tips (15-20 minutes): Provide resources or strategies for continuing self-study.
- Personal Farewell (5-10 minutes): Write a note or share your thoughts on their progress, and discuss the possibility of future classes.
The goal is to make the class feel celebratory and supportive while preparing them for their time away.
Godspeed,
Mo
The Americanoid Blog 
