Basic Principles of Teaching Conversation Classes (Part 1)

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Focus on communication and fluency, not correctness.

  • Most ESL students are concerned if they are holding their conversation "correctly" or if it is "right".
  • Even in our first language, we rarely concern if the conversation is proceeding "correctly". The point is if our meaning is coming through.
  • The emphasis should be: it's not a matter of "right" but whether or not your classmates understand you and can respond to you.

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