Conversation Classes for Low Literacy English Learners

About This Session

Description

Many language learners may have limited formal education and face challenges with reading and writing. Traditional language classes often rely heavily on written materials, which can be a barrier for these students. At the same time, students are pressured to interact with a speaking world and need practical help with public speaking.

The core principle is to model and create a low pressure, interactive environment where learners feel comfortable practicing. Working together, we’ll discuss challenges, resources and exchange tips and tricks that help our students.

What we'll cover:

We’ll discuss how to teach a conversation class, with a focus on how to reach students who are struggling with literacy. We’ll use graphical resources, modeling, and important conversation concepts, including “air time,” “turn taking,” and “back-channeling.”

We’ll look at how to use context like workplace scenarios to create our models, nonverbal communication, active listening, and sample activities. We’ll also talk about things that haven’t worked in our experience, like over correcting. Finally we’ll look at online resources, including what AI can do to help prepare for a conversation class on short notice!