CHIHARU NAKANISHI (KUNITACHI COLLEGE OF MUSIC)
HODAKA NAKANISHI (Teikyo University)

FOSTERING GLOBAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN EFL THROUGH COI FRAMEWORK: USING JAPANESE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL WISDOM : INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AND GLOBAL COMPETENCIES

This paper examines the role of the business professional in English-language discussions and seeks to understand how they have developed relevant discussion skills through on-the-job training. Reflecting these insights, this paper proposes effective teaching methods of English discussion for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) education, utilizing the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework. This approach aims to equip students with the necessary linguistic and communicative abilities in global business environment. The primary objective of this study is to examine the strategies employed by a Japanese business professional and real-world business wisdom observed in seasoned professionals. Our methodology included a written survey and an in-depth interview with an experienced Japanese business professional. The results revealed key findings: the respondent, with 42 years of experience in manufacturing and consulting, demonstrated significant interaction with international colleagues and emphasized the importance of directness in English communication and critical role of non-verbal cues. Effective strategies were highlighted, including setting clear goals shared with participants, thorough preparation, understanding the importance of direct communication and non-verbal signals, and timely confirmation of being “on the same page”. Our strategy enhances Japanese EFL education with the CoI framework, emphasizing Teaching, Cognitive, and Social Presence. By establishing clear objectives and assessment criteria specifically for business discussions, we strengthen Teaching Presence. Through the use of scenario analysis, we develop students’ critical thinking and communication skills, thereby enhancing Cognitive Presence. Furthermore, we foster open communication to build a robust Social Presence.

Chiharu Nakanishi, a professor at Kunitachi College of Music in Japan, is researching English discussion instruction using the Community of Inquiry framework, funded by a Japanese Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research. She focuses on developing critical thinking and enhancing EFL education for effective global communication, integrating Bloom’s revised taxonomy principles.

Dr. Hotaka Nakanishi, a professor at Teikyo University, studies communication within and between organizations in business. In his research on communication, he focuses on the comparison of the effectiveness of telework and face-to-face meetings.