HTTP://WWW.PCC.EDU/RESOURCES/TUTORING/SYLVANIA/STUDENT-SUCCESS/ENGLISH-SKILLS-CENTER/DOCUMENTS/CONVERSATIONGROUPS--WINTER2015.PDF
pcc sylvania campus english conversation group
Everyday people enjoying everyday conversation
NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS WILL:
- Meet new people
- Experience informal conversation practice with fluent English speakers.
- Improve conversation/ pronunciation skills
- Enhance cultural competency
- Gain “campus involvement” experience for personal development, scholarship applications, and university admission.
- Professional reference for job applications
- Promote cultural inclusiveness and build community on campus.
WHY I CHOSE THIS WORK:
I became familiar with the English Conversation Partner Program after taking the Introduction to Intercultural Communication class. Two years later, a position for group leader opened, and the PCC Student Learning Center coordinator, Laural Spillum asked if I would volunteer for a summer term. I have since been with the group for two years, and it has been one of the most interesting opportunities in my academic career.
Nahid, Iran: “In 2010, I saw Donna sitting in the Student Success Center talking with ESOL students. I listened to how she worked with other international students. I asked if she had time to work one-on-one with me, and she graciously accepted to be my conversation partner.”
I became familiar with the English Conversation Partner Program after taking the Introduction to Intercultural Communication class. Two years later, a position for group leader opened, and the PCC Student Learning Center coordinator, Laural Spillum asked if I would volunteer for a summer term. I have since been with the group for two years, and it has been one of the most interesting opportunities in my academic career.
Nahid, Iran: “In 2010, I saw Donna sitting in the Student Success Center talking with ESOL students. I listened to how she worked with other international students. I asked if she had time to work one-on-one with me, and she graciously accepted to be my conversation partner.”
IMPLEMENTING CHANGE:
The group started because students who are non-native speakers of English at PCC Sylvania needed an opportunity to practice their English conversation skills in order to improve. There weren't many opportunities for basic conversation practice offered. The Alternative Learning Center (now the Student Learning Center) decided to make this happen. Today, students can practice their English speaking skills in the group as well as help with creating and implementing events they choose.
Yude, Peru: “When you give to others, it builds your confidence while helping others to succeed. While Donna took two years Spanish at PCC, I tutored her. She has inspired me with her work as English Conversation Group leader."
The group started because students who are non-native speakers of English at PCC Sylvania needed an opportunity to practice their English conversation skills in order to improve. There weren't many opportunities for basic conversation practice offered. The Alternative Learning Center (now the Student Learning Center) decided to make this happen. Today, students can practice their English speaking skills in the group as well as help with creating and implementing events they choose.
Yude, Peru: “When you give to others, it builds your confidence while helping others to succeed. While Donna took two years Spanish at PCC, I tutored her. She has inspired me with her work as English Conversation Group leader."
ESOL Student Feedback:
Mohammed A. from Saudi Arabia shares, "I like coming to this group when Donna is leading because she never lets us sit without talking. She keeps us engaged in conversation."
Mele N. from Tonga, "I like helping Donna organize our activities."
Mohamed J. from Palestine, "Donna listens to me and gives good advise."
Gayad A. from Syria, "Donna helps to make everyone feel welcomed and she is awesome!"
Amanda J. from Ecuador, "My friends invited me to the group and I've enjoyed this experience since the first day I participated. Donna is amazing and she is really friendly. She makes you feel comfortable in the group."
Mahmoud, Saudi Arabia, “If you want to learn, go to Donna’s conversation group.” This is what many students told me when I first arrived at PCC.
Mele N. from Tonga, "I like helping Donna organize our activities."
Mohamed J. from Palestine, "Donna listens to me and gives good advise."
Gayad A. from Syria, "Donna helps to make everyone feel welcomed and she is awesome!"
Amanda J. from Ecuador, "My friends invited me to the group and I've enjoyed this experience since the first day I participated. Donna is amazing and she is really friendly. She makes you feel comfortable in the group."
Mahmoud, Saudi Arabia, “If you want to learn, go to Donna’s conversation group.” This is what many students told me when I first arrived at PCC.
TRIP TO OREGON AQUARIUM
Jewelry-making class with sue c.
Side project: help from English Conversation group participants
Some of the English Conversation Group participants showed enthusiasm as I shared with them the "Our Coin for Your Coins" campaign. The participants were unable to visit the actual event site, but they did share their coins as well as helped with counting the coins during our group time. The group participants show their willingness to help. They have a heart for helping others, and I appreciate the spirit of volunteerism.
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reflection
The English Conversation Group goes back to about 1990-1991. English tutor Anita McLellan started the formal group. For many years, Anita led the group for an hour mid-day, four days a week. Today, conversation group sessions have more than doubled. Afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate the diverse schedules of ESOL students and other non-native English speakers. Group activities that participants have suggested as well as help with implementing. Each activity gives the student more opportunities to increase the speaking and understanding of the English language. As a result, many students who shy away from speaking English have developed better communication skills without feeling embarrassed. Working with the group, I have the sense of being a vital part of helping students with social and academic engagement. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that just by engaging the ESOL students in group conversation, I am assisting with fostering their knowledge of the English language. In our group we share challenges that students may encounter, and as a group, we try to support each other. Many current and former ESOL students visit the group for moral support. We also have taken many off campus activities such as hiking to the mountains, hiking the water falls, and visiting the Oregon Coast. We even share nights out on the town! I consider the English Conversation Group participants part of my family.