Coffee & Conversation

The Program of Practice

Our English learners consistently told us that they lacked confidence speaking English, even the advanced students, despite achieving high test scores. This ongoing concern affects their willingness to apply for jobs as they don't feel able to carry on conversations. Our team of Level Up Leaders regularly pointed out this issue.

The Response

To address these concerns, we initiated coffee-and-conversation events. We invited all ESL students, alongside business and community leaders and Adult Ed Staff, to join. Our aim was to offer less stressful, real-life opportunities for students to practice English.

The Unique Features of the Program

A unique aspect was the absence of an agenda, a lecture, or tables; there were only a few chairs to keep the students from hiding out. Which we learned the less chairs the better after the first event. The setting was outside the classroom, offering a relaxed space to converse and enjoy coffee and food. The only rule was only English was spoken in the room!

The Outcome

The outcome was positive: after the first event, students requested weekly meetings. Though unable to fulfill that, we hosted several more throughout the year. Attendance grew each time, and community leaders encouraged us to invite them back for further gatherings. The local librarian came and students were able to get their library card forcing them to go through the process while conversing in English. Thirty students left with a card.

The Director of Nutrition Services attended and was so thrilled to meet our students that she wants to begin a process to help them attain jobs or begin by subbing within nutrition services.

For our next event, we have already organized CTE health students who will practice blood pressure readings while ESL learners converse with them.

Our evening students heard about coffee and conversation, and wanted to do one in the evening, so we created "Snacks and Chats" for night classes.

The most compelling data come from student feedback, they stated they had more confidence and were less afraid to start a conversation in English. And of course are begging for more events.