Conversation Tables
Conversation Tables are group conversations that offer a low-stakes way for learners to experience a TalkAbroad conversation. Two of our conversation partners are present in each Conversation Table and model a 1-on-1 conversation while learners watch and are invited participate. See an example here.
Attending Conversation Tables helps learners prepare to transition to 1-on-1 conversations. Learners 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.
Here are some details on how conversation tables work:
Who can participate?
Students in beginning level sections. (We plan to expand to other levels later.)
Who will attend a Conversation Table?
- Two TalkAbroad conversation partners
- Multiple students
Conversation Tables last about 30 minutes.
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 dates and times will be listed in your professor 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.
What will be used as a topic for a Conversation Table?
Topics will be selected from our 15-minute example topics.
How often can students attend, and how should they prepare?
Students can participate in 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 students 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 university professor 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!
Links to session guides will also be found in Conversation Tables > Upcoming. Session guides include examples of the questions and items that will be discussed like this example from fall 2022. Students can use the session guides to prepare in advance. Students will also have access to the session guides in their student accounts.
How will I know if my students attended?
Student attendance will be recorded in your professor account under Conversation Tables in the left sidebar.
Note that 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, professors can also attend Conversation Tables. You will see a Join link in your professor account when you click on Conversation Tables > Upcoming in the left sidebar. (Only visible in accounts where TalkAbroad has activated this feature)
The link will take you to a Zoom meeting where the Conversation Table will be held.
What is the cost?
Conversation Tables are included for programs that purchase the TalkAbroad Bundle at any level. Read more about the Bundle here.
Access can also be purchased separate from the Bundle. Please contact sales@talkabroad.com for more information.
Can my program try Conversation Tables before we buy?
Yes! Each fall and spring term, we offer a free trial of Conversation Tables. Please contact sales@talkabroad.com for more information.
(The free trial is only available to student in sections that assign at least one 1-on-1 conversation per student.)