Spring ’13 meeting times
Thursdays 4-5 PM & Fridays 3-4 PM @ the Graduate Student Center. Please register for weekly info.
What happens in a speaking group?
A speaking group consists of native and non-native English speakers from around campus. Groups meet for an hour or two every week with a suggested topic revolving around American culture, University life, or language learning strategies and resources. An ESL-trained group facilitator from the Writing Center attends each meeting to help the group members work together to improve their oral communication skills. Each week:
- The facilitator introduces a topic around American culture, University life, or language learning
- Group members discuss the topic, ask questions, and suggest strategies or resources
- Group members can ask for feedback on their speaking
- The facilitator might teach a new technique, strategy, or game
Please note: The facilitator’s role is not to teach a speaking or pronunciation “class” but to familiarize the group with US language, culture, and resources.
Who can join a speaking group?
- UNC students and scholars, including undergraduate, graduate, exchange students, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scholars, and research faculty
- Postdoctoral scholars, visiting scholars, and research faculty, if you have any specific needs, please contact us.
Spouses, non-academic staff, and community members, are not eligible to participate in speaking groups.
How do I join a speaking group?
- Register online using this form. You will receive a messages regarding each week’s meeting.
Other Oral Communication Support