• Conversation Classes

Conversation classes are an important part of the curriculum. Students from the University of Kent (called UoK Residents) live on-site at Chaucer. Their job is to help students with spoken English. This they do by conducting one-to-one conversation classes in the evenings, and by just being around to talk and socialise at all other times.
Here are some comments made by conversation teachers about the work they do:

Eric

Forney

Conversation classes are an important testing ground for students to apply what they have learned in casual day-to-day conversations. Moreover, they are a place where moral values and cultural ideas are exchanged and, in this context, they are just as valuable to conversation teachers as they are to students. Both parties learn from each other and, in so doing, grow as individuals.

Running an English conversation class is a great idea. It helps students to improve their English speaking and communicate easily with each other. Likes & dislikes, hobbies, aims, daily routine, events & favourites are discussed to motivate the students to communicate effectively.

Manpreet

Maryann

During my time as a conversation teacher, I have found the one-to-one and small group contact with students to be very beneficial for language learning, particularly for raising cultural awareness and self-esteem. The experience is both entertaining and educating, and a great opportunity for students to share their thoughts and ideas. I have met many colourful characters at Chaucer College, and I believe all the support and encouragement they receive here will put them in good shape for the future.

I've been a conversation teacher in Chaucer College now for the past three years and it has always been very fun for both the students and me. Not only do we have fun but learn something at the same time. Conversation classes help the students practice their everyday English and also overcome their fear and shyness when speaking English. The English skills of the students vary greatly but the most satisfying thing is seeing how much they have improved at the end of the year knowing you contributed a little.