Do you ever run out of conversational topics with a student you have had for some time?
And if that be the case, how do you remedy the situation?.
12 answers from our tutors
Best answer
HAHAHA, yes. I have had some students for years. However, I have a secret weapon. Engoo Daily News. They have new ESL reading articles every day.
As an online language instructor, developing a strong rapport with my students is essential. While it's natural to worry about running out of conversational topics, I find that as I get to know my students better, we often discover new and interesting things to discuss. However, to ensure our conversations remain engaging, I also encourage my students to bring in topics that interest them or are relevant to their lives. This not only keeps our conversations fresh and dynamic but also allows them to practice talking about subjects that are meaningful to them. Additionally, I use a variety of resources such as news articles, podcasts, and themed conversation cards to spark discussions and keep the learning experience enjoyable and enriching for my students.
It can be a challenge but there is always a new thing happening in the world, so current events can be a good option.
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Thank you for your responses teachers, I believe it is going to be very useful to a lot of teachers here.
If he is a long term student, you know his interests so you shouldn't have a problem. You can always introduce new subjects but nothing controversial.
Reviewing your material before classes. Look up English article on subjects the student likes. Have them scan it, take notes to discuss in class. Go to YouTube and Google everyday topics. Hope this helps.
No, we share interesting as well as commonplace things
Never! You can always pick up a topic from the beginning of the lesson when you ask them what they have been doing since you last spoke to them. Then let it develop from there. You can then practice tenses by asking about things at different stages, then asking about their feelings / mood, and then jumping into the future by asking about the consequences of their past actions and thoughts. While all this is going on, new idioms can be introduced with maybe an explanation as well as the etymology of the phrase. You can never run out of things to talk about, and the student feels that they are just having a chat, but they are actually absorbing real English. Doubles all round! (This is a UK English idiom). Like what you've just read? Why not book a lesson?
Yeap it happens at times with students who are with you since a long time. :) Yet it can e managed with : 1. What is the latest news today? 2. What was special this morning?
Never happened
- Diana MarEnglish and Russian tutor. English tutor with European education
Never happened
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