Anastasia Griazeva, English Teacher

What is your nationality and where do you currently reside?

I am Russian and I am based in Arkhangelsk, Russia

What is your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in ecology, Cambridge First Certificate in English, TEFL Certificate.

Which Bridge certifications or micro-credentials have you completed?

I completed the Master Certificate, Teaching Business English and Teaching English Pronunciation, Teaching English Grammar (Grammar Advisor)

How long have you been teaching with BridgeEnglish?

I have been teaching with BridgeEnglish for almost two years (since August 2021).

How long have you been teaching languages and what inspired you to become a language teacher?

I have been teaching for 5 years, and I was inspired by my mum. She has been a primary school teacher for more than 30 years, and I took after her in the ability to explain things briefly and clearly, and be patient, adaptable, and empathetic. There is one more person who inspired me, first of all, to learn the language and indirectly become a teacher – it is the British writer, actor, and playwright Stephen Fry. His intelligence, wit, sense of humor, and attitude toward life played a huge role in my own language learning and teaching.

What languages do you speak?

Apart from Russian and English, I speak Italian at an intermediate level. I started learning it on my own with the help of self-help books, podcasts, and series with subtitles. In 2018, I spent four wonderful weeks learning Italian at a language school in Florence. That immersion into the culture and the supportive atmosphere that surrounded many like-minded people boosted my knowledge of the language and my confidence a lot. Since then, I have been maintaining my level by taking classes with tutors.

What do you believe are the key skills and language areas that students should focus on when learning Business English?

Of course, it depends on each particular student and their needs, but it is always important to focus more on listening and speaking skills when learning Business English. Business English students frequently communicate with their peers from other countries, so it is crucial for them to understand different accents. Moreover, they need to be able to express themselves clearly and confidently. As mentioned earlier, the specifics of some students’ jobs may require good writing or reading skills, so every course should be tailored to correspond thoroughly to the learners’ needs. In addition to the main skills, we cannot forget about sub-skills that are crucial for all English students, such as business-related vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. All of these aspects should be taught in combination to achieve the best results.

How do you incorporate your culture and background into your language lessons?

Almost everyone knows that Russia is a place with a fascinating history and culture. It is a huge country with many regions with their own features, from nature and climate to festivals and traditions. Most of my students are genuinely interested in learning more about my country and I have a lot to share with them. We discuss and share our opinions about many aspects of our motherlands which is especially entertaining to do with my Latin American students because we literally live in opposite parts of the world. Unfortunately, recently Russia has become an infamously known place but it also sometimes becomes a ground for a thought-provoking conversation.

What is your teaching philosophy or approach to helping students learn a new language?

I believe that learning is a lifelong process; it is a journey with milestones but no finish line. When teaching my students, I always express this opinion: it is okay to make mistakes, feel demotivated at times, want to give up, and feel self-conscious while speaking, etc. Everyone can learn a language; we just need to find the right approach and change our way of learning if there is no progress, and, I often remind my students about it, practice is the key.

Can you share any tips or advice for professionals looking to improve their business communication skills in English?

Use the internet. There are plenty of resources that can help improve business English skills, such as business-related magazine articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, and more. These tools offer a wide range of choices that coursebooks cannot provide, including various topics, specific individuals, and different accents. Surrounding yourself with a business English context will enhance your skills. However, my main advice would be not to focus solely on the business aspect. Read current news, find a speaking partner on websites for business learners, and watch series or videos that interest you. In other words, be open-minded, and you will soon see the results.