- An excellent list of best practices for running ESL Conversation Clubs, from Jean Kaleda, (note: link is to a Word document) posted to WebJunction Illinois.
- A great webinar entitled Conversation Clubs/Talk Time - Beyond the ESL Class! (note: link is to a .wmv) by Jackie Alectoridis and Carolina Fernandez-McManus.
September 8, 2008
Check out these ESLCC tips from other librarians.
Two great ESLCC resources from WebJunction...
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1 comment:
Thank you for sharing those illuminating, practical tips for organizing effective conversation clubs.
Two points seem exceptionally important: conversation clubs fill a huge need that is often neglected in traditional ESOL classes; and regular meetings should run between 90-120 minutes so students can practice. We often forget that many English language learners have few opportunities to speak more than a few limited sentences in English. Practice, as the cliche goes, may not lead to perfection, but it often leads to significant progress.
Finally, I'd like to also emphasize the social aspects of conversation clubs in providing a safe, friendly place where immigrants feel comfortable and appreciated. As Thomas Mann noted, "speech is civilization itself ... It is silence which isolates."
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