English for Effective Business Communications

Marla Yoshida is an Academic Coordinator and TEFL instructor at the University of California, Irvine Extension International Programs. With a Master’s degree in Linguistics, she has over 25 years of experience teaching English as a second language in both the U.S. and Japan, along with teacher training in the U.S., Japan, and Korea. Marla has taught the Teaching Pronunciation Skills class in the TEFL certificate program at UC Irvine Extension for more than a decade and has worked with teachers from various countries, including Japan, Korea, Brazil, and Chile. She specializes in using visual and kinesthetic aids for teaching pronunciation and is the author of "Beyond Repeat After Me, Teaching Pronunciation to English Learners," published by TESOL Press.

Karen Vallejo is an instructor at the University of California, Irvine, where she specializes in teaching English language courses tailored for various contexts, including business and general communication. She offers a range of courses on Coursera, such as "English for Developing a Business," "English for Effective Business Communications," and "English for Running a Successful Business." These courses are designed to equip learners with the language skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the business world effectively.In addition to her business-focused courses, Karen teaches foundational grammar topics including "Questions, Present Progressive and Future Tenses," "Simple Past Tense," and "Word Forms and Simple Present Tense." Her teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application and engagement, helping students build confidence in their English communication abilities. With her extensive experience in language education, Karen is dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers students to achieve their academic and professional goals.