Conversation Group Calendar

Conversation Group Suggested Fall 2007 Calendar Semester Opens

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Tutor Recruitment Begins

Monday, August 20, 2007

Classes Begin

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Tutor Training Session Week of August 27, 2007 • Hold tutor training at the designated group meeting time • For new and returning tutors • Use this opportunity to discuss expectations, calendar, schedule of themes and topics. First Conversation Group Week of September 3, 2007 Introductions Informal student evaluations Explain how the group works Distribute calendar Theme Unit 1:_______________________ Topic 1: ___________________________ Second Conversation Group Week of September 10, 2007 Theme Unit 1:_______________________ Topic 2: ___________________________ Third Conversation Group Week of September 17, 2007 Theme Unit 1:_______________________ Topic 3: ___________________________ * Students and tutors evaluate unit. What changes need to be made? Should this unit be kept or changed? Fourth Conversation Group Week of September 24, 2007 Theme Unit 2:_______________________ Topic 1: ___________________________ Fifth Conversation Group Week of September 24, 2007 Theme Unit 2:_______________________ Topic 2: ___________________________ Sixth Conversation Group Week of October 1, 2007 Mid-term Evaluations: What do students think of the program? What changes should be made to the format? Are students’ skill levels progressing? Theme Unit 2:_______________________

Topic 3: ___________________________ * Students and tutors evaluate unit. What changes need to be made? Should this unit be kept or changed? Seventh Conversation Group Week of October 8, 2007 Holiday: Columbus Day – possible side topic: Should Columbus Day be celebrated? Theme Unit 3:_______________________ Topic 1: ___________________________ Tutor Training

Prior to Fall Break (suggested after seventh meeting and before start of break) Review results of mid-term evaluations Review calendar, themes/topics for remaining semester (Allot remaining leadership tasks as necessary) Provide tutors with new tools and material resources Practice new activities

Eighth Conversation Group Week of October 22/23, 2007 Theme Unit 3:_______________________ Topic 2: ___________________________ Ninth Conversation Group Week of October 29, 2007 Holiday: Halloween, All Saints, All Souls, Day of the Dead, etc. – possible side topic: compare/ contrast these similar holidays, their meanings, and customs Theme Unit 3:_______________________ Topic 3: ___________________________ * Students and tutors evaluate unit. What changes need to be made? Should this unit be kept or changed? Tenth Conversation Group Week of November 5, 2007 Theme Unit 4:_______________________ Topic 1: ___________________________ Eleventh Conversation Group Week of November 12, 2007 Holiday: Veteran’s Day/ Armistice Day – possible side topic: have you ever served as a soldier? What is your opinion of the military? the American military? international conflict? Theme Unit 4:_______________________ Topic 2: ___________________________ Twelfth Conversation Group Week of November 26, 2007 Holiday: Thanksgiving – possible side topic: how did you celebrate? What are you thankful for? Does your native country have a similar holiday?

Theme Unit 4:_______________________ Topic 3: ___________________________ * Students and tutors evaluate unit. What changes need to be made? Should this unit be kept or changed? Planning for Spring Semester Begin in late November 2007 Develop new units Revise old units Discuss strategies for success with tutors Plan for and recruit additional tutors as necessary Hold one or two formal planning meetings Finish planning by December 7, 2007 Final Conversation Group Week of December 3, 2007 End of semester evaluations Recognition night for tutors and students Suggested: Family and Friends Night/ Open House Holiday Party Student Authors Night Staged “Debate” for Audience