Learning and Work Institute worked with Learning Unlimited to research and develop a new set of resources aimed at volunteers supporting adult English language learners and organisations using volunteers in this role. These resources are free to use for all.
Developed with volunteers with little or no training or previous experience in mind, the resources are designed to support the delivery of conversation clubs and other volunteer-led language practice for adult English language learners. However, they will be useful to anyone engaged in delivering conversation-based English language practice. The suite of resources includes:
- A set of 15 units for conversation club sessions, with supporting guidance on using them to run a conversation club.
- A guide for volunteers supporting English language learners.
- A guide for organisations working with volunteers in English language provision.
- A conversation practice toolkit full of useful ideas, activities and resources.
- A report of the research.
- A set of four supplementary videos.
Conversation club units
Our 15 topic-based units have been developed for use by volunteers running English conversation club sessions for adult English language learners. The units are based on research, observation and learning from successful conversation clubs across England.
Unit 1: Shopping Unit 2: Home Unit 3: Family and friends Unit 4: Culture and creativity Unit 5: Health Unit 6: Education and skills Unit 7: Nature and the environment Unit 8: Travel and transport Unit 9: Training and work Unit 10: Local history and landmarks Unit 11: Food and cooking Unit 11: Food and cooking Unit 12: Money Unit 13: Having fun! Unit 14: What’s new? Unit 15: TechnologyVideo resources
We have created a set of four complementary videos supporting organisations to effectively plan and lead conversation clubs.
