So, you’re stepping into the classroom, ready to teach a conversation class. You’ve already nailed the first session: expectations were set collaboratively, and together with your learners, you chose 15+ engaging topics to explore. Your classroom rules are clear, and now the real fun begins—getting your students talking.
Start with the Essentials: Vocabulary First
What’s the foundation of any good conversation? That’s right—vocabulary. Without the right words, there’s no conversation to be had. As the British linguist David Wilkins put it:
“While without grammar little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed.”
Before launching into your topic—say, a class debate—activate the vocabulary your students already know. Ask them:
What phrases do you use to agree or disagree?
How do you interrupt politely… or not so politely?
Teaching real conversation means diving into nuance, not just dictionary definitions.
Use concept-checking questions (CCQs) to ensure understanding. For example:
Student gives the phrase: “May I interrupt you, please?”
You ask: “If I interrupt someone, do I want them to keep talking or stop?”
It’s quick, clear, and confirms comprehension across the class.
Expand Their Lexical Toolkit
Once you’ve elicited what they know, it’s time to build on that foundation. Aim to introduce 7 to 10 new words or phrases per class. Make it a moment of achievement—students should walk out feeling smarter, more confident, and excited to try out their new vocabulary.
Don’t forget: drilling can help here, especially with tricky pronunciation or stress patterns. Use pair repetition, echoing, or even rhythm games to lock in new terms.
Make It Real: Create Purposeful Speaking Tasks
Now comes the exciting part—practice. But not just any practice. You want to design authentic, meaningful tasks that encourage students to use the new vocabulary in context.
Try these activities:
Debates: Pick a topic and assign students to argue for or against—regardless of their personal view. This removes emotional bias and keeps the focus on language, not opinion.
Ranking games: “What’s the most important invention of the 21st century?”
Negotiation tasks: “Plan a holiday with a limited budget.”
Video dialogues: Have students watch a clip and recreate or extend the dialogue.
Mini presentations: Let them shine solo or in pairs.
The key? Keep the focus on how students speak, not just what they say. Vocabulary, fluency, and interactional language should all be on your radar.
Close the Loop: Reflect and Give Feedback
Never skip the final step—feedback. Whether it’s peer-led, teacher-driven, or self-evaluated, reflection is crucial for growth. Go back to the goals set in your first class. Are students meeting expectations? Where are they excelling or falling short?
Make time for this stage. Even a five-minute roundup at the end of class can reinforce learning and spark motivation.
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