To the Instructor

Dear EFL/ESL Instructor,

Welcome to the English as a Second Language Negotiation Module. This module utilizes the INSPIRE^© web-based negotiation support system to enable students of English as a Second Language to develop and practice their language skills by negotiating the terms of buying (or selling) a product from their negotiation partner.

Each of your students will be paired up with a partner, whose identity and geographical location will not be revealed, unless the parties decide to do so.

The negotiations start with the students reading the description of their part (case). One student represents a company that is selling and the other a company that is buying. The objective of this negotiation is to work towards a compromise (but not necessarily achieve one). While negotiating the students exchange offers and counteroffers and write e-mail messages in which they develop not only business but also personal relationship with the partner. The outcome of the negotiations depends on the interaction between partners. Throughout the game the INSPIRE system supports the negotiators by showing each one of them how well they are doing with respect to their initial expectations.

While engaging in the negotiations and language activities that have been designed around the negotiations the students acquire language by practicing both formal and informal aspects of business communication.

Please send your comments and suggestions,

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