Mistakes At Work ESL Lesson

OBJECTIVE & OVERVIEW

This ESL lesson plan on making mistakes at work provides activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for upper intermediate - advanced B2-C1 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Explore the topic of making mistakes at work
• Learn vocabulary terms and phrases related to making mistakes at work
• Watch an educational video exploring tips on what to do when you screw up at work
• Learn some phrases that can help them talk about mistakes at work
• Approach a boss or colleague about a mistake and admit it using some phrases
• Discuss some additional topics about making mistakes

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

Students will start this ESL lesson on making mistakes by reading an exchange between Luiz and Sheila. In the exchange, Luiz expresses his concern over a mistake he made, and his colleague Sheila comforts him. Students discuss questions to explore potential actions Luiz could have taken and the type of advice Sheila might be offering. They will reflect on their personal experiences related to making mistakes and consider common reactions to errors in the workplace.

Following this, they will evaluate a list of mistakes, classifying each one on a scale of seriousness from 1 to 3, and explaining their reasoning. Finally, students will imagine a business advisor’s tips for overcoming mistakes, using key vocabulary terms like "blame", "responsibility", "autopsy", "integrity", and "win" to predict the advisor’s advice.

There is also a preview discussion question about common mistakes employees make in students' workplace or field of work.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

In the viewing part of the lesson, Then, they watch a video about some tips to follow if you’ve made a mistake at work, given by a business advisor named Suzy.

Then, students match Suzy’s supporting ideas to her three tips from the video: owning it, getting to the bottom of the mistake, and rebranding oneself with a win. They will analyze how each tip is supported by specific ideas.

Students will then answer questions about the video, including what Suzy advises against, her example of getting to the bottom of a mistake, and strategies for quickly rebranding oneself with a win.

DISCUSSION & PHRASES

Following the video, students will discuss some questions about the video. These include how useful and realistic they find the advice provided. They will consider other tips or ideas for dealing with mistakes at work.

After that, students review some imaginary quotes made by employees. Each of their ideas contains a phrase related to owning a mistake, analyzing it, or rebranding it a mistake as a win.

They will then discuss these phrases in practical conversation questions. They do this by exploring the potential consequences of not owning up to a mistake and weigh the pros and cons of involving others in addressing a mistake. They will also brainstorm additional ways to make amends for a mistake beyond just offering extra work.

“OH NO, I’VE SCREWED UP!” ROLE-PLAY TASK

In this communicative, task-based activation, students participate in a role-play task, where they will take turns being an employee who made a mistake and a boss who responds to it, practicing how to own up to mistakes, analyze them, and rebrand them as wins.

Alternatively, students can choose from a list of topics and discuss their personal experiences related to mistakes, focusing on aspects such as making amends, repeated mistakes, and the courage to own up to errors.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS ESL LESSON ON MAKING MISTAKES:

Builds Confidence:

By practicing how to discuss and own up to mistakes, students gain confidence in handling such situations in real-life work environments.

Improves Communication Skills:

The lesson includes role-playing and discussion activities that help students practice clear and effective communication when dealing with errors.

Enhances Vocabulary:

Students learn specific vocabulary and phrases related to making and addressing mistakes at work, enriching their professional language skills.

Offers Practical Application:

Role-playing scenarios where students act as both employees and bosses allows them to apply what they've learned in a realistic context.

Highlights Professional Growth:

The lesson emphasizes the importance of integrity, responsibility, and proactive problem-solving, which are crucial for professional development.