Basic Conversation Strategies is similar to the Kehes' other strategies books. The learners are introduced to a strategy, such as showing understanding or asking for clarification. In pairs, they practice the strategy in controlled activities, and finally they put the strategy to use in activities such as role plays.
Although similar to intermediate-level Conversation Strategies, there is one significant difference: Basic Conversation Strategies has an important listening component. Conversation is, after all, not just speaking; it also involves listening, and part of the approach in this new book includes training the learners to be good listeners.
There are three components to this material. The Student Workbook contains everything students will need to do the exercises, except the material they need to listen and respond to. This material is available on two CD's. The Student Workbook does not contain printed versions of the listening input. Why? Real conversation is not accompanied with sub-titles or closed captions. The printed version of the listening input is available in the Teacher's Edition, which is an essential component of Basic Conversation Strategies.The Teacher's Edition contains the entire Student Workbook and the complete scripts of all the listening input, plus teaching notes and suggestions, as well as feedback and evaluation forms.
The two CD's have 67 listening exercises on separate tracks. There are six types of exercises: Listen and Fill In, Circle, Choose, Repeat, Respond, and Write. The exercises, several in dialogue format, are spoken by four native speakers. Although the CD's are not essential (the teacher can speak the input), the material will be much more effective and easier to manage if the CD's are used.
High-Beginning to Low-Intermediate
High School, University, Adult
by David Kehe and Peggy Dustin Kehe
with illustrations by Len Shalansky
