Blog Post #2

As a result of the holiday and the slight issue of nobody signing up for my original time slot, I finally held my first conversation circle yesterday.  I am co-facilitating it with a senior named Jamie, whom I have known previously through LHSP.  Jamie has also been a facilitator for these conversation circles before; in fact, two of the people in our circle were in Jamie's group last semester.  I was nervous that this would cause me to feel out of place, but I think it worked out very well: every person in our group knew at least one other person, which resulted in us talking like old friends rather than feeling awkward about being strangers.  As Angelo and Carson assured me in class last week, this did end up working out for the better- our group dynamic was great!

The information the handouts relayed to us was accurate- my group said that they would rather chat about random topics than take a lot of field trips.  To them, it is simply enjoyable to take time out of their busy schedules to have fun and relax with friends while practicing English.  However, we did discuss a few activities outside of the normal chat café hour such as going to a baseball game, going ice skating at Yost, or meeting up to see a movie.  Jamie showed us a journal that she had hand-bound herself, and everybody was intrigued- we might all learn how to make our own journals sometime this semester.

The conversations in my circle seemed very genuine in that everybody seemed truly interested in what everyone else had to say; nobody was talking just for the sake of talking.  This being one of my first experiences with non-native English speakers, I was really interested to learn about where my group was from, how they came to choose U of M, how they felt their English was developing, and their experiences here so far.  They seemed equally as interested in learning about my life; I spent quite a while answering questions about my personal activities such as being on Michigan's sailing team.  I have only had one meeting so far, but my group seems to be wonderful.  I think the conversation flows very naturally; thankfully, everybody is an enthusiastic participant and excited to be there.

After Week 1

I had my first conversation circle last Thursday, which I was excited to actually meet for after so much discussion about it!  I was a bit nervous about the group being small- only two people had signed up for my time slot- and as it turned out, only one girl showed up.  We chatted and talked about life, and Ann Arbor, and traveling, and the hour went by quickly.  I even learned a bit of English- apparently in Singapore, there is different English slang than there is here (example-- "to mug" means "to study" rather than to rob someone).  Another topic that came up which I thought was kind of funny was trying to explain the American measurement system (lb stands for pound, there are 12 inches in a foot and 3 feet in a yard, 16 oz in a pound, but there are also fl oz… and I don't know the reasoning behind any of these somewhat illogical metrics).

I enjoyed our last class meeting, and getting a chance to discuss conversation circles with people who have led them so many times.  I feel very well prepared for the circles, and have some ideas about topics and activities based on their advice, but at this point my main concern is figuring out the logistics of my circle.  I know that my student, since she is new to campus, was hoping to meet multiple people through the group and I also feel that it will make for a better experience if we have more than just the two of us.  So the question now is if we can join another group- if so, which one- and then figuring out how to deal with the different dynamics of having two facilitators and probably a larger group.

Getting Started

Reading through the ELI Conversation Circle survey results and talking with Angelo and Carson have been very helpful in preparing for my second conversation circle. I think one of the most important takeaways I gathered from it was the importance of planning ahead for our meetings. We have discussed that it is important to not force the conversation, and to just let it flow, but I think it would be nice to have some activities planned. Some of the things I saw multiple times in the survey results were playing games such as Apples to Apples, or Taboo, or doing activities with maps, like trying to name all the states in the US on a map. I think things like this will help to get conversation flowing and have people engaged in something rather than feeling like they are just sitting and staring at each other. I think it will be beneficial to discuss this with my participants though and see if it is something they are interested in, or if they do indeed just want to focus on conversation. I enjoyed hearing Angelo and Carson talk about their experiences and some of the other do’s and don’ts and how to handle certain situations. For example, we talked about how participants may often ask about something very generally they consider is American, or what is the American perspective on a certain topic, which can be hard to answer, especially when the topic is broad. You can say "I can’t speak for everyone, but in my opinion...", or "Through the experiences I’ve had, I believe this or that". I think this is important too, because you can never learn the “culture” of a place from only one person, as everyone has different opinions and experiences.

I’m excited to implement these lessons and tips that I have learned from reading and talking with Angelo and Carson. I really enjoyed meeting my group this past week, and am eager to ask them what they think regarding various activities that we could do together. Until next time!

Blog Post 2: What Experience Tells Me

John Stuart Mill once said that "There are many truths of which the full meaning cannot be realized until personal experience has brought it home," which is why I really was looking forward to that afternoon when Angelo Pitillo, the Director of the English Language Institute (ELI), and Carson Maynard, the ELI Student Services Coordinator, had been invited to talk about their experiences in hosting conversation circles and of course, give us tips in order to be successful as conversation facilitators ourselves. 

Again I told them about what's holding me back on this endeavor, and it was again consoling for them to tell me not to fret and that they believe I can be good at this. They provided us very helpful handouts. 

The handouts have literally became a fountain of ideas from like ideal conversation topics, games or activities that we can integrate while chatting, things to prepare before every session, and some dos and don'ts, including some of the problems that were encountered by previous facilitators and participants.  

I read it the entire evening on Thursday and prepared an outline of the things which I think should be relayed to my conversation circle right at the beginning, to wit:

a. my objectives (since I guess there is a need for the conversation circle to have a common goal, which includes improving oneself, overcoming anxieties in talking with other people, and just having fun while learning from others);

b. "rules" (well, I don't even consider these as STRICT as the rules in school; but my rules simply include their presence and participation, and to just have fun); and

c. I gave them a little snapshot of the possible things that we can do for the whole term (which I think is effective to ignite their interest and motivation).

Then Friday came. I got to the meeting place an hour early, obviously, because I am still not too confident about myself. And then I met Heejae Lee and Xi Chen at around 12:25. We started like the way normal conversations go - introduced names, majors, reasons for joining the Chat Cafe, interests, and the conversation just went on and on that we forgot about time. 

I gave them a fun game I call 'Name Acrostics' to at least give us ideas on what sorts of people we are while sharing many of their experiences, and honestly, I learned so many things about these intelligent ladies. I never realized it could be as fun as that! And needless to say, seeing their eyes beam with joy as they share their thoughts and excitement for this conversation circle, is by far very satisfying.

What about the outline I prepared? Well, I still followed it but not entirely. It sort of helped me go back to what I was supposed to tell them whenever I find that we are already off-tangent, though. But what I was sure of was that I really took seriously what Angelo told us: that to be successful at this, we only need to remember two things - to be real, and to have fun! 

Indeed, one can only have a full understanding of and realize the beauty there is in every situation when you actually experience it. I have learned now not to overthink; or else it will ruin every little fun that's supposedly awaiting us in every experience. And now, I find myself ever ready to converse and, more importantly, LEARN! :-D

          ~ Some people succeed in finding and knowing themselves thru experience.

Image: http://micahhorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/the-human-experience.jpg

Blog 1:

I originally signed up for this course because having studied abroad before, I can think of one or two local people from each trip who made a huge difference in my life and my experiences there because they were willing to grab coffee, chat, let me practice my language skills on them, and so on.  I really want to pay it forward by hopefully providing that to someone else.  That said, given that many of the students are international students who are here for their full degree, not necessarily just study abroad students, I’m realizing it might be a little different than what I expected, but that that is not a bad thing. 

At this point I’m excited to meet my group and am hoping that they are equally excited to start our coffee chats.  I know the first day will probably be a bit awkward as we all adjust to being in a new group dynamic and decide just how much of ourselves we want to share with each other.  I’m hoping that by the end of the semester though, we will all be comfortable enough together that we can have real discussions about the experience of living and studying abroad, cultural differences, etc.  I’m a bit nervous because many of the topics I love to discuss (especially politics and current events) are ones that people sometimes don’t care about or feel should be off-limits.  I’m sure that regardless of what topics we end up covering though, we will all learn a lot from each other.

It’s difficult not having had a group meeting yet- I want to start planning ideas and places and activities for future meetings but it’s impossible to do without having a feel for the group.  I might get a shy group who will be grateful to have an outing as a conversation prompt, or a really chatty group who don’t want or need to do anything besides hang out and talk/debate/question the whole semester, and an outing would just get in the way.  I guess I’ll just have to wait and see!

Blog 1: Initial Thoughts

Part of my requirements as Fulbright's Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA), I need to take courses each term as a student. To be totally honest, Writing 302 was not my first choice. I sent a list of subjects which I want to take this term to our Director, and one after the other, they were all declined either because the class is already full or the schedules do not just seem to fit with my free time. I felt really desperate at that time, and gave the course number come what may. Then an email told me that Prof. Scott Beal agreed to have me in class. 

And here I was, seated on a chair listening to Scott explaining some stuff that we are going to do in this class.

At first I thought, in this course we would only be having lectures about intercultural understanding, communication styles across cultures, etc., but this course is absolutely more than just that! It is actually better than I thought because we get to learn all those stuff while having real conversations with International students in the University. Isn't this exciting? Yes, it surely is. 

"You will be one of the conversation group leaders," Scott said. 

"Wait, what?" 

When the thought of starting the conversation, maintaining the energy while conversing, and thinking of what to bring to the table as topic for next meeting's conversation finally synched in, I doubted myself. I am anxious about not meeting the expectations of the group. I was worried about prejudices knowing that I, myself, is an International student here. I hesitated, and I must admit I was tempted to drop.

But in spite of all the nerve-wracking thoughts, a part of me is excited. Why not? 

I will talk to different people, get to know their real experiences (some obstacles) in living far away from home and how they deal with these challenges, acquire insights from them about anything under the sun, and for the most part, appreciate cultural differences. And since I, myself, is an International student here, I would be able to at least empathize with those who are also new here, and together we can gain the much needed confidence in order to survive America. And of course, it is always a thrill to gain new friends.

It is really a relief to read some of the blogs of those who attended this class last year. Somehow, their roller coaster of emotions of nervousness and anxiety to joy and satisfaction gave me a pat on the back. It is comforting to know that I am not alone. And that at the end of this journey, I hope to really learn many things - some, probably, no class has ever taught. 

So, what should I do to really prepare myself. Or, would anyone REALLY be prepared to have a GOOD conversation? :-D

The Beginning

The motivation behind my decision to pursue this opportunity is a combination of a couple of things. As a student being abroad myself, I have always so appreciated being able to ask a local student questions that I wouldn't have anyone else to ask, or have them take me to a local restaurant, or explain something to me that I don't understand. I hope to be a resource for international students that are here. Through my job in the International Center, I have been able to help lead activities and trips for international students, and have made good friends doing so. I hope to be able to do the same through this program.

One of the themes I noticed among the past blogs was that many people commented on how fast the time went and also how they felt like they got so much out of the experience. I also thought it was interesting how a common theme was feeling nervous in the beginning and trying to plan activities instead of just letting the conversation flow, but by the end they had it figured out. It's all part of the process, right?

I'm excited for this opportunity to get to know individuals I might otherwise not encounter on this huge campus. I'm excited to strengthen my skills as a facilitator during the process. And I'm excited to learn more about different food, holidays, sports, schools, and so many other things that I'm not familiar with. I am sure there will be struggles, as many people did mention problems they faced during their time as a conversation circle facilitator - such as attendance. However, hopefully I will be able to work with my group to address any bumps along the way.

Blog Post #1

     After talking in class last Wednesday and reading the email thread, I have developed some ideas about what my conversation circle will be like.  One idea I particularly like is having my group come up with ideas they might want to learn more about- that way, they stay engaged and can get the most out of the hour.  The email thread mentioned students wanting to learn cultural vocabulary such as compliments and insults.  I think that learning more about this cultural vocabulary will be practical and useful, and will also be fun to talk about.  Another good idea I picked up from the reading was having conversation about favorite holidays at home.  This seems like it will be a good topic because it will be something that everyone is comfortable talking about and may even be passionate about.  Something I plan to ask my conversation circle is whether they would like to be corrected as they are speaking, or after the hour is over.  That way, everyone will feel secure and comfortable in the conversation circle environment.
     I am excited to get to know my conversation circle; I hope everyone, including myself, can take away a lot from this experience.  I am nervous that my students won't be comfortable around each other and that most of the talking will be left up to me.  Being a facilitator will be a wonderful and eye-opening experience because I am considering teaching as a profession; thus far, I have only worked with younger kids, so working with students my own age will provide me with new insight on teaching and learning.

Welcome to the Chat Cafe: Casual Conversation Groups Blog!

This is the blog where students enrolled in Sweetland Writing 302: Global Communication will post regularly about their experiences as facilitators of weekly conversation groups and as participants in the course.  Each student will create six bi-weekly blog posts (up to half of these may be in-depth comments on other students' posts).  As Sweetland Chat Cafe Facilitators, we are committed to helping each other develop our practice through conversation.  This blog is an extension of that spirit.