subject: Benefits Of Group Conversation In Learning English For Foreign Learners [print this page] There are different types of learnersThere are different types of learners. There are some that learns through visual cues, wherein they need to see what they want to learn or study. There should be pictures or visual aids for them to properly digest and absorb what are being taught to them. There are also some who learns through listening. Even without taking down notes, they will be able to learn, remember and memorize what they just heard. These people are good listeners and can already grasp certain knowledge without seeing them; they just have to hear them. And lastly, there are some who learn through action or simulation. They are the so-called kinesthetic or tactile learners. They need to carry out a certain physical activity to be able to understand a basic knowledge, rather than listening through long lectures or looking at them. They are what we call, the doers. Some people can be both or all of them, but there is really a primary style that they use. In learning English, two of these will come in handy: the styles of the listeners and the doers. Thus, it is very important for foreign learners of the English language to practice conversation within peers or groups, because they will be able to learn both through listening and acting it out.
What are the benefits of group conversation? As they always say, two heads are better than one, meaning more ideas are generated. More and more students can contribute, facilitate, or support peers in learning the language. They will be able to suggest, correct, and provide examples for the benefit of others. This is also where learning from best practices comes in. They definitely have something to say that others can definitely learn from. This is where the benefit of idea sharing takes place. Once we share different ideas, we will be able to learning the English a lot faster and a lot better.
Another benefit of having a group conversation is that others can try it out first before you do. In other words, you can get tips from others on verbal conversation or even written English communication through listening to your more experienced students or peers in the group. It will be an added fun getting to learn things together. One more benefit is that you can easily get feedback from them, whether you are doing it the right way. It helps nurture the dynamics within the group, enabling a more academic and professional endeavor within the team. It is this environment where students can learn freely and actively.
Ultimately the goal of group conversation is to have fun while learning. It is far easier to learn new things such as English as a second language when you are having fun, having fruitful conversation with your friends, and being able to apply these things in real life. Once you are part of a group, you feel that you belong, no inhibitions, no reservations. It is in this kind of environment where we can freely provide our ideas without judgment. It is definitely more fun if done in groups.
