Teaching English in China: How to have a group discussion: Effective Conversation: How to talk about a topic in English: How to become a good speaker of English.
Group Discussion in Conversational English Class
Conversational English
By Waijiao - Luo Laoshi
Mechanics of Conversation in Group Discussions
INTRODUCTION:
The content of this article is designed to provide students with a concise understanding of the basic and necessary skills that will be Taught and Practiced in the classroom.
Although many students will read this and say: “But I already know this!”, the fact is, that in daily conversation, students do not know how to use these skills.
Students will be expected to understand the skills necessary in order to engage in Group Discussions, and they will be required to demonstrate those skills in Real Group Discussions.
Students will be required to pass practical exams in this subject.
Active participation is required in order to successfully pass these exams.
A group discussion is a conversation that involves several students at the same time. In Class, it usually involves 6 students at a time. It can also involve all of the students in a class at the same time, with all students competing to 'have their say' on a particular matter.
A group discussion can be 'topical', which is to say, that only one particular topic is discussed.
A group discussion can also be a 'general' discussion, in which the 'topic of conversation' will change several times, as participants use their skills to avoid topics they do not wish to discuss, or to 'force' the group to discuss specific topics that skilled students wish to discuss.
In Group Discussions, it is not enough to KNOW the skills, you actually have to USE them.
In order to be successful,
you have to forget that you are shy;
you have to develop a strong voice;
you need to learn how to 'butt in',
and of course, you need a good vocabulary.
In classroom discussions, we do not specifically pay attention to grammar, because part of the purpose of these exercises, is to 'Correct' poor Oral Grammar.
One of the benefits of this kind of exercise is that it can highlight your weaknesses and teach you 'how' to communicate your thoughts.
Group discussions are not 'orchestrated'.
They are not 'role plays' that you can practice in advance.
One can never truly prepare for a group discussion, because you never know where the conversation will end up.
Conversational Direction can only be controlled by using Skill.
Ground Rules of Group Discussions
1 Interrupting:
As a Chinese Student you have probably been told that it is impolite to interrupt someone when they are speaking. This is not quite true, even in a two person dialogue.
In a group discussion however, especially in a discussion that involves 'friends or other equals', interjections, objections and offering 'assent' (agreement), are important to the vitality and life of the discussion. I'm sure that this holds true in your daily Chinese Conversations.
More importantly, such interjections allow you to take control of the conversation, and change its' direction (change topic).
2. 'Give us a new topic!'
This is something I hate hearing students say. It demonstrates that they have no conversational skill. If you have and use the skills of conversation, it is very easy to 'Change the topic' yourself. We have already looked at examples of changing the topic in the first booklet. More examples will be provided later in this article.
3. Your Objective in Discussion:
Your objective is to contribute to the discussion. This means that you must speak, even if you have to 'Steal the Conversation'.
Stealing a conversation means that when someone says something with which you disagree or agree, you cut them off, by taking over the conversation.
For instance:
Someone commences to make a statement: “I think Taiwan will come back to China......(one day soon). You don't allow the person to finish the statement. You 'cut them off' by saying: 'Yes! I agree. I think that it must, because ...........
You not only steal the conversation, but can change its' direction, to discuss issues close to your heart.
4. But I don't know what to say.
Any person who sits silently throughout a group discussion is usually considered to be either not interested, or not intelligent enough to contribute.
Even if you have trouble following a topic, you can show your interest and intelligence by saying such things as:
“Really? Where did you hear that?”
- or –
'I like what you just said. Could you tell us more?'
You show that you are a part of the group.
5. My English is so poor.
The object of the class exercises is to get you to 'use' the English that you have. It is a great place to learn how to express ideas in English. If you have trouble saying something in English, then say it in Chinese, and see if someone can give you the translation. It becomes a learning experience for you.
6. The other students are better than me.
In fact, no student is better at everything all the time.
In group Discussion, students (even the poorer ones) can help others by correcting pronunciation, intonation, or by providing translation.
Group Discussion is the place to discover what you do not know so that you can learn it and grow stronger. It is like 'exercising'.
The more you do it, the better and stronger you get.
Why are Group Discussions Important?
Group Discussion enable you to develop Social Skills, and provides an excellent venue in which to learn and improve skills, and perfect your use of the language.
a) The Development of Social Skills
i) English Conversation and Personality.
No matter what your personality is like when you use your mother tongue, the fact is that it is conversation that truly demonstrates your character.
If you are unable to engage in conversation, then people do not fully know your true personality or character.
Learning to engage in real conversation allows people to get to know you better.
ii) Personality in Chinese Society.
What is really interesting for me as a teacher, is that I have discovered that many students who have previously been shy (in Chinese Society), have learned through English Group Discussions, to find the courage to stand up for themselves (in Chinese Society).
iii) Current Events and Waking up to the World.
I require students to talk about current events that I find in the English Version of China daily. Topics include:
Taiwan
U.S.A.
Japan
The Iraq War
Oil Prices
Baby Stealing
Murder
Corruption in Government
Poverty
Women's Issues
The Chinese Gay Movement
Chinese Culture
Chinese Festivals
Taxation Policies
And many other issues.
Sometimes, students will object to some discussions, because they say that we should not talk about politics. [Foreign Teachers are not supposed to talk about Political matters].
But in fact, everything in China is political in one way or another.
A little later in this article I will discuss this further, but right now I just want to say this:
Students have an appalling lack of knowledge about current events in China.
English Group discussions give you an opportunity to become aware ofCurrent Events in China.
b) Group Discussion assists you in the learning process.
Some of the things already mentioned in this article are that Group discussion:
Teaches you to use skill to change topics
Shows you your weaknesses in Vocabulary and Grammar
Teaches you how to use idiomatic phrases
Helps you to correct pronunciation and intonation
Teaches you how to speak more naturally
But most importantly,
It acts like a gymnasium in which you can exercise and grow in strength
So that you hear faster
Think faster
Speak up more quickly
Group discussion gives you the confidence to talk freely.
Helpful Hints for Group Discussion
There are a number of things which you must do when you engage in a group discussion.
You must pay attention to the conversation
You must join in the conversation
You must show that you are an active participant in the discussion
You must remember that questions usually come from previous answers
You must be aware of keywords
You must ask open questions
You must give informative answers
You must interrupt to agree, disagree or steal the conversation
You must use skill to either keep the discussion on topic – or -
You must use skill to change the topic
Hot Topics: Discussion, Problems and Remedies.
As stated earlier, Students are required to talk about Hot Topics, and some students object to doing this, especially in relation to Taiwan.
Usually, When I ask:'What do you think about Taiwan?',
The response is:Taiwan belongs to China!
This answer immediately turns the conversation into a Political Discussion.
Sometimes however, students will say such things as:
You should not ask this question
You should not talk about Political things
Chinese people should not discuss this issue with foreigners -or -
Foreigners should not interfere in Chinese affairs.
These answers really demonstrate the necessity to learn how to discuss hot topics in English.
You see, the first thing these types of answers do, is to politicise the conversation; a totally unnecessary action.
Furthermore these types of answers could cause foreigners to develop a negative attitude toward China and its' people.
Because Westerners are free to discuss anything, and expect to be able to talk freely with everyone, such answers may be interpreted to mean that you don't like foreigners.
These answers may be seen as attempts to give insult or cause offense.
A foreigner should understand it if you don't wish to talk about a topic,
- but -
Such answers might indicate to the foreigner that you lack common courtesy.
Worse still, is that such answers can be seen to indicate that either Chinese people live in fear of their Government
- or -
That Chinese people are arrogant.
In truth, what they really indicate, is a lack of conversational skill.
When dealing with Hot Topics every person in every nation, needs to know how to avoid confrontation and argument.
Avoiding Confrontation.
Let's now look at the question again, and see how to avoid confrontation.
Remember: The question is only political if you choose to make it political.
What do you think about Taiwan?
Answer No 1:
Oh I think Taiwan is a wonderful place. Many famous Chinese movie stars and singers live there, and of course, it is such a beautiful place to live.
- or -
Answer No. 2:
I actually don't know much about Taiwan apart from the fact that it is an Island. Have you been there? Can you tell me about it?
But what if someone tries to discuss the Political Situation in Taiwan?
Answer No 3:
Sorry! I really don't know much about the Political Situation in Taiwan. I have far too many other things to worry about. Currently I am in University studying to become a ___ (profession) and hope one day to work in _____.(city)
With this answer, you demonstrate that you are not going to discuss the political situation in Taiwan, and in doing so, you show not only courtesy, but by changing the topic completely, you demonstrate very good conversational skills.
It is sometimes very important to know how NOT TO DISCUSS certain topics.
Using Key words to Change Topics, you can easily avoid a Political Discussion about Taiwan (or any other topic).
But what if the foreigner really pushes you to talk Politics?
Answer No 4.:
I'm sorry. I do not wish to offend you by saying this, but I really do not wish to discuss this issue, and I hope that you can respect my decision.
Any person who would not respect your decision not to discuss Taiwan, is not someone you should worry about. If they persist, then just walk away from them.
But what if you do want to discuss the Political Situation in Taiwan?
Always remember that there are two sides to every question.
Always remember that people are entitled to their personal opinions.
Always remember to respect people who do not try to force their opinions on you.
Always remember to be gracious and not let yourself get angry.
Always remember that if you find yourself getting angry to change the topic.
Most Importantly:
Never go into battle without being well armed. This means that if you want to talk with a foreigner about Taiwan, Then make sure that you know your facts.
Opinions are not facts.
Feelings are not facts.
Make sure to know whether what you say or hear is an opinion or fact. We can always disagree with opinions. It's very hard to disagree with facts. It's also very foolish to argue factual matters just by using opinion.
Never go into battle without being well armed.
How to Prepare for a Topical Discussion.
The very first thing I want to stress here, is that unless there is a strict agreement to discuss only one topic, the topic can change very easily.
In that case you need to use skill to change it back to the topic for which you prepared.
Taiwan as a Topic.
Whenever I first make students do a group discussion, I always choose the topic of 'Taiwan'. And without fail, most students come prepared to discuss Politics. It only takes one comment by one student, to change the topic away from Politics, at which time, most students are left with nothing to say.
So how do you prepare for this?
The key, is always – Key Words.
Ask yourself 15 questions about Taiwan.
Answer each question as a simple sentence.
Then join all the answers to form an informative Answer.
Does this sound familiar?
Questions:
What is Taiwan?
Where is Taiwan?
Answers:
Taiwan is an Island, lying off the southeast coast of China.
Keywords are:
Island
Southeast coast
China
Questions:
How big is the Island?
How many people live there?
What is its' main industry?
What is its' history?
How far from the coast is it?
How does one get there?
Have you ever been there?
Do you ever plan to go there?
What is it famous for?
What dialect do the people speak?
The answers to these questions will require the use of more keywords, about which you can ask more questions. What keywords you choose to ask about, is up to you.
Research - Question - Use Your Imagination
When you prepare for a Topical discussion,
Don't be lazy!
Research the topic.
Research key words.
Ask yourself questions about every key word
Use your imagination.
Another favorite Topic I use in class concerns the Issue of Abandoned Babies in China.
If I ask you to talk about Abandoned Babies in China, what will you say? What sort of things would you talk about? How many different topics does this title connect to?
The following exercise is designed to make you think!
Let's just look at how many different topics can be found in the title:
Abandoned Babies in China.
I'm just going to ask some questions.
I want you to think about the answers.
I want you to count up how many different topics you can find, that come from the 4 words:
Abandoned Babies in China.
Almost all abandoned babies are girls. Why?
Is it just because of the One child Policy?
What is the One Child Policy?
When was this policy introduced?
Why was this policy introduced?
Why does this policy cause girls and not boys to be thrown away?
Do most people really only want a boy?
What have old traditions got to do with this problem?
Is it just the One Child Policy or just tradition to blame for the situation?
So what happens to the Baby Girls?
Where do they get sent and who looks after them?
What sort of a future can they have?
Did you know that some baby girls are adopted by foreign couples?
Is this good for China?
How else does preference for boys affect Chinese Society?
Is it true that some baby boys are sold by or stolen from their parents?
How does this make you feel?
How must the natural parents feel to have a baby stolen?
How must the adoptive parents feel to learn that they have a stolen baby?
How will the child feel later in life?
Is it true that Baby Stealing carries the death penalty?
Is execution for this crime appropriate?
What punishment do you think is best?
Should parents who sell their babies be punished?
Why would anyone sell a boy baby?
If everyone in China only has one baby boy, how will this affect China's future?
Many traditions and customs in China relate to Family gatherings. How will this change?
As China has more men than women, won't many men have to marry foreign wives?
Is marrying foreign women acceptable in China?
Will the current gender imbalance give women a sense of more power over men?
Will Women become prone to divorcing husbands that they are not happy with?
Will men in China become slaves to women in order to marry?
If millions of men can never marry, will this turn them into homosexuals?
What are the benefits of the One Child Policy?
How has it affected education, health, wealth, job opportunities and population size of China?
When thinking about a topic, use your imagination.
There are so many questions that one can ask about Abandoned Babies in China.
It just takes imagination to think of them.
With each new question comes new keywords that lead to different topics.
It is a skill that you must learn.
Apart from SKILL, What makes a good conversationalist?
The Answer to this lies in something I mentioned earlier:
The Key to being a good conversationalist
is having a broad knowledge of Current Events.
To get this knowledge you need to start following the news
-and-
Start reading news articles in English.
The issues of Current Events/News, Politics, Business, and Society
The purpose of learning English goes far beyond the ability to Read it. But in order to speak English, you need more than an understanding of Grammar. You need conversational practice.
This practice should not be in the form of Role Plays for which you can rehearse.
You need experience at having regular conversation because Normal Conversation requires you to
Hear Fast
Think Fast
- and -
Reply quickly.
Using key words to ask questions and replying with informative answers and using skill to change topics will develop your hearing, thinking and speaking abilities.
I hope this has been of help to you.
These Lessons made more simple: Not Available in China 2010
R.P.BenDedek is from Brisbane Australia and is the author of 'The King's Calendar: The Secret of Qumran' at http://www.kingscalendar.com His academic articles set forth Apologetics for and results of his discovery of an "artificial chronological scheme" running through the Bible, Josephus, the Damascus Documents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Seder Olam Rabbah.
He writes photographic 'Stories from China' and social editorial commentaries, both at KingsCalendar, and as a contributing newspaper columnist. He currently teaches Conversational English in China and in addition to his English Lessons at KingsCalendar, he has created specific sites for Students of English.
