Korean Job Discussion Forums

[myenglishisno]

I'm teaching a few high level adults and we're having free talking classes.

In one class, it's 2:1 and in the other, it's usually 1:1. Usually I give them a topic the day before, they read up on it a bit and think about some vocabulary and then they come in and we have a "freetalking" class. I usually use the discussion topics on iTeslj but sometimes I veer off a bit if the student and I share a mutual interest that isn't on there.

Anyway, the student's level is very high and I feel as if they've reached a plateau whereby they feel they don't need to learn any more. I think they see the "freetalking" class as merely maintenance. Lately, I've been trying to write more on the board and teach more in the class instead of just having a one on one conversation however, I feel like the students don't really take it seriously.

Any advice on how to make these classes more structured and educational? Sometimes I feel like the student will just learn vocabulary for the class and then forget it all when they leave. They are high level students but not high enough where they should get the impression that they've plateaued.

My laziness, admittedly, has been somewhat of a contributing factor in this but it's only been going on a few weeks so it's not too late to turn things around.

[koreatimes]

Don't take this as advice, but mere reality. They have reached it I feel. You can put a mouse in a maze just so long, if they get tired of the cheese they won't continue to run it.

I found that higher level students like to invite lower level friends to their class. This happened in Japan and Korea (I haven't taught adults in a working setting yet in China). I even went out with one Korean family to different places and just used basic English with the student's family. Every so often, my student would try to explain something from English to Korean to his family but he wouldn't say the correct phrase or make a silly grammar mistake. I would correct him then.

Another person, a Korean drinking buddy, taught at a hagwon and had to teach students how to take tests. So we would discuss some of the material.

In Japan, there were 2 students who did research on humidity (in Kyoto) and "metal flaky powder production (cool stuff!!)". I would go through pages of writing they did on whether or not clay or wood would absorb more moisture in the air, or how flaky powders form to stick better so people can make things like the roof on the Ginkakuji Temple.

They need to create an interest in something and be avid about it, doesn't have to be your interest.

[1927]

Instead of merely 'free-talking' you could perhaps set up some tasks - particularly if there are more than one students.

For example, perhaps they could role play a negotiation like buying a car. Perhaps give them some kind of debate situation - a controversial topic they have to research and then bring a prepared argument. This way they could experience using English to achieve a goal instead of just to talk about a topic.

I've had students enjoy this kind of thing as a break to the routine 'chat' class.

[Judogrl]

I understand the idea of a free talking class, what about adding the element of writing? Or writing and reading? That might make it a step harder. When you read, you automatically learn more language and vocab skills anyway. Maybe turn one day into a book club.

[Whistleblower]

I recommend the book "Teaching Unplugged". It is really useful and there are various communication ideas to get the students talking. I have written a book review and I have also suggested some conversational ideas to get the class talking and I hope it helps. Best of luck but try to find out their interests outside of class and see whether you can import that in the class.

[sublunari]

Require them to speak, ask questions, and justify their opinions, for credit. No speaking, no credit. You'll have the most talkative class in the school.

[The Floating World]

I have been using New Interchange for 7 yrs for adult conversation classes and reccomend it above all others due to it's good blend of the three r's and listening as well as plentiful interactive activities (games, surveys, questionaires, roleplays etc...)

[Caffeinated]

Try the series "Can You Believe It?" Introduces idioms that your learners may not know about. Works for different levels. The activities inside the book are flexible enough to focus on certain skills such as listening or writing.

[Vimfuego]

I'm seconding Whistleblower's suggestion, although you'd need a heap of experience to make that sought of EFL work.

[koreatimes]