Conversation Clubs Update

Conversation Clubs are an opportunity for ELATT’s language learners to practise their English speaking skills and develop confidence in a fun, informal environment.

These clubs also give ELATT students an opportunity to become organisers themselves – contributing to the community while gaining skills and experience. Our teaching assistant students in particular find this experience a useful addition to their CVs.

This is an area ELATT has long been involved in. Our very own Nafisah recently completed her PhD on Social Interactions in English and is now Dr Graham-Brown. As part of her research, she led ELATT’s involvement in an Erasmus project on Volunteers in Language Education, working together with community organisations from Slovenia, Denmark and the Netherlands www.languagevolunteers.com

Earlier this year, our Volunteer Manager, Yvonne Ackuaku, and three of our Conversation Club volunteers – Pascale, Gertrude and Izabel – were filmed about their conversation club experience as part of a Learning & Work Institute / Learning Unlimited project funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

You can see the four videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmZbrFRJFfyPgDaa5DKwA5wayFVMdUsGd

The project also produced 15 units on a range of topics. These flexible and adaptable resources are designed to meet the needs of the huge range of conversation clubs across the UK. It was an exciting writing project which our Quality lead, Helen Rankin, was thrilled to be involved in as an LU Associate.

You can see the 15 units and the accompanying guides here:
https://learningandwork.org.uk/resources/research-and-reports/volunteers-english-language-learners-and-conversation-clubs/

Our current challenge is to build on the initial success in adapting conversation clubs to run online during the Covid-19 crisis. Despite the unfamiliar environment of Zoom, participants – including new joiners – have been able to bond and to discuss personal issues, including Black Lives Matter, in a supportive and constructive way.

If you would like to become an ESOL volunteer, please contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you would like to join a conversation club, complete an ESOL enrolment form online:
https://www.elatt.org.uk/courses/english-skills