Pre-requisite(s): This activity targets those TCN(s) who know(s) the language of the host country at least up to A1-A2 level. For the implementation of this activity at least one local has to be invited by the mentor.
Estimated duration: 1 hour
Related to:
Step: 3
Dimension: Cognitive
Qualitative Indicator: National language, Networking with locals
Type of Activity: Group
At this stage, the TCN(s) has/have already acquired some listening and writing skills in the language of the host country. His/her/their speaking skills are of equal importance as for the cognitive dimension of their mentoring. At the same time, the acquisition of speaking skills can give to the TCN(s) the chance to mingle with the locals and network.
The mentor matches each TCN with a local. It is preferable to match individuals of the same age or having the same interests. He/she then gives them a topic (based on the host country’s language level of the TCN) to start a conversation with. Before elaborating on the topic, they first have to introduce themselves, mentioning their name, age, country of origin, interests, etc.
- One mentor.
- A pool of topics (based on the host country’s language level of the TCN).
- A quiet place for the “pair” to discuss and for the mentor to observe it and take relevant notes.
- Action plan(s).
Implementation Steps
The mentor matches a TCN with a local, bearing in mind that the two individuals have to share things in common, in order for their conversation to be developed more easily and smoothly as well as to be more interesting. He/she then gives to them a topic or invite them to randomly select a topic out of a pool of topics that he/she has prepared from before. Alternatively, he/she can give to them some time to think about possible topics and then suggest to him/her a topic to talk about.
When the topic is decided, the mentor reminds the “pair” of introducing themselves before elaborating. They then start to talk with each other and he/she observes their discussion, i.e. pronunciation, content, vocabulary, grammar, understanding of their interlocutor, and interaction (questioning and answering, when needed), taking relevant notes.
When the conversation is completed, the mentor gives feedback to the “pair”. It is better for their discussion to be held in the language of the host country, if possible. Otherwise, they can talk in English. When the mentor expresses his/her opinion, he/she invites the TCN to talk about his experience, i.e. if it was difficult, interesting for him/her, etc. Consequently, the local is invited to express his/her opinion, too.
This activity is used to teach the language of the host country to the TCN(s) at intermediate level. Once this is achieved, the mentor provides the TCN(s) with different options that will help him/her/them to continue learning the language.
After that, the mentor signs the action plan(s) of the TCN(s) as completed.