Examining the Value of Conversation Partner Programs

Abstract

The survey study reported here was designed to examine the value of conversation partner programs which pair up second language students and native speakers for out-of-class conversation. Data analyses shed light on activities conversation partners engage in, the perceived advantages of the conversation partner experience for non-native and native participants, and the problems encountered by conversants. Results can be used to help language programs plan, organize, and market their conversation partner programs better: in addition, insights gained can be used to ensure more successful partnerships by incorporating survey results into written guidelines and/or introductory orientation sessions for conversation partner program participants.