Korean Job Discussion Forums

[FeelinGood]

I've been asked to run a couple of conversation classes for middle school students. In other words, two classes where I have to free ball it alone. I'm fairly decent at designing specific lessons, but I'm not an education major and feel that having something to look at for refrence would be invaluable.

Can anyone suggest some good text books that have a good curriculum focused on speaking and conversation specifically? I.E. Pronunciation Exercises, Useful Conversational Expressions etc.

Thanks

[schwa]

Conversation isnt about pronunciation drills or memorizing dialogue snippets. Its about expressing oneself.

Depending on the level & interests of your students, you need to present a theme & to coax them to go at it with what they've got. You dont need a major in education -- you need conversation skill yourself & the ability to draw out a willingness to communicate.

Interesting topics, humor, a relaxed atmosphere, spontaneity -- those are the key components of a conversation class.

If these are afterschool classes, chances are they're smaller groups of more motivated students?

Start from the simplest of questions to put your students at ease & push their pat answers with easy follow-up questions. Correct grammar gently if at all -- its more about successful communication, however faulty. The question "why?" is a teacher's best friend -- it compels students to try to explain things.

Picture handouts generate interest & can be mined in many ways. Games & fun activities can generate speaking -- there are tons of free ideas on the internet. Vary it up.

I caution against relying on any one book. It would likely turn your class into textbook routine & the kids will predictably clam up.

[kiknkorea]

Assess their level before thinking about getting a book. You can browse bookstores like Kyobo and find plenty. At first it will just be about establishing rapport with the students. Tell them a bit about yourself and then focus on them. React to their experiences and interests and ask tons of questions. After this, if you think a book would help, you will be in a better position to find the best one. Good luck.

[nomad-ish]

i can save you the trouble right now: don't do it. conversation classes with middle schoolers is going to be like pulling teeth. i'm doing the same thing right now and although my prep is minimal, i'm constantly coaxing students to speak for the entire period. and don't believe your school when they say the "advanced" students will be in your class, they won't be. that's what my school said last year to get me to agree to them. i later found out that some students couldn't even say very simple sentences.

also when you accept extra classes, make sure you set how many classes you'll be doing (usually sets of 20, sometimes more), how much per class (it'll say in your contract), and when you'll be paid. get it in writing and get your vp's signature. payment is made after the classes finish (in most cases, i believe) and sometimes can be ridiculously delayed.