How do Conversation Tables work for my students?
Conversation Tables are group conversations that offer a low-stakes way for students to experience a TalkAbroad conversation. Attending Conversation Tables helps students prepare to transition to 1-on-1 conversations. Conversation Tables are also great for beginners who aren't ready for their first 1-on-1 yet. Students who have attended:
- Feel less nervous.
- Have a better idea of what their first 1-on-1 conversation will be like.
- Know how to prepare better.
- Are more willing to make their first reservation.
Who can participate?
Students in beginning level sections. Here's an FAQ for students.
Who will attend?
- Two TalkAbroad conversation partners
- Multiple students
Conversation Tables last about 30 minutes.
What topics will be discussed?
There are two types of Conversation Table topics:
- Beginner topics: These are focused on conversing about common topics: food, clothing, shopping, daily routine, etc. There is a detailed script to help participants follow along. The discussion is completely in the target language - no English.
- Culture topics: These are focused on a presentation of a cultural activity: cooking a dish, showing favorite snacks, giving a tour of a room in a house, showing clothing, making a craft, etc. Session materials are more general, allowing more flexibility to our conversation partners as they present the cultural activity. Unlike the beginner topics, students and our conversation partners may use English.
The type of topic is noted in the list of upcoming Conversation Tables.
When will conversation tables be scheduled?
Conversation Tables will be scheduled at fixed times each week. We will release the detailed schedule early in the term.
The current schedule for all languages is here.
Note that the number Conversation Tables sessions we schedule each week varies by language due to numbers of students. We intend to have enough Conversation Tables at a variety of times in order to meet the needs of all participating programs. If you find that there are not enough sessions available at convenient times, please fill out the form here to share your plans so we can adjust if possible.
The dates and times will be also listed in your teacher account on the left sidebar under Conversation Tables > Upcoming.
Students will also be able to see the dates and times in their student accounts.
Can students speak up and participate during the Conversation Tables?
Absolutely! Students will be invited to participate several times during each Conversation Table. student participation is optional, and students who do not want to participate will not be called upon.
How often can students attend, and how should they prepare?
Students can attend any number of Conversation Tables. As this is a low stakes activity, no preparation is necessary by the student. If they are planning to participate when invited, the learners can review the topic for the conversation table and come ready to ask or answer any of the conversation topic questions.
Students in participating sections will be able to see the topics in their student accounts. The topics for each session will also be noted in your teacher account on the left sidebar under Conversation Tables > Upcoming. If you don’t see that, reach out to us and we can get you set up to participate!
How will I know if my students attended?
Student attendance will be recorded in your teacher account under Conversation Tables > Completed in the left sidebar.
For attendance to be recorded, students must join through their student account. If a student shares the session link with another student, that other student's attendance will not be recorded.
(Note that students must have purchased conversation credits or redeemed a Pre-purchase Code within the last 150 days in order to access the Conversation Tables feature. See how students add credits here.)
Can I also attend?
Yes, teachers can also attend Conversation Tables. Feel free to create a student account for yourself and join your section (see instructions here). To get complimentary access to Conversation Tables for this purpose, please reach out to our support team.
What is the cost?
Conversation Tables cost $15 per student for 150 days of access. See more pricing information here.
How have you seen Conversation Tables successfully integrated into other programs?
Conversation Tables work best when students are required to attend several sessions before they start having 1:1 conversations. See some recommended combinations of Conversation Tables and 1:1 conversations here.
Can my program try Conversation Tables before we buy?
Yes! We offer one-time free trials of Conversation Tables. Please contact sales@talkabroad.com for more information.