The Nuts and Bolts of In-Class Conversation
The Nuts and Bolts of In-Class Conversation

Summary/Abstract: Since the communicative approach has taken the lead in English language teaching, the constant use of conversation and its by-products in almost any type of lesson is turning from a convenient pedagogical tool into a ‘must-include’ speaking activity,irrespective of lesson planning or age group. The leading role of conversation in communication is undisputable nowadays, but the role of it within the English class, either as a second (ESL) or foreign language (EFL), including English for specific purposes (ESP) or academic ones (EAP), is to ensure the students will grasp, use, and recycle, more relevant and authentic language than otherwise. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is not only to define the role of conversation used in classroom as a valuable learning tool, but also to emphasise the role of the participants in conversation-based activities and present possible practical facts about how the teacher could develop successful in-class conversation scenarios that will help the students engage and learn more in a stimulating environment. The teaching intention is to symptomatically decontrol and empower them during the acquisition process of the English language, in the first place, and further on in their careers, as speakers of a non-native language, in the second place.

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