Tutor: Well, we can talk about that later. But were you comfortable in the group?

Ahmed: Oh, it’s better, I think than working on your own, though you’re comparing yourself all the time with the other students there.

Tutor: Okay, well, let’s talk about how you did and look at some strategies to help you in the future. 

Ahmed: That would be great.

Tutor: Now, one of the things that students often overlooked when they go to seminars is that you do need to prepare for them. You can’t rely on other people.

Ahmed: I know I did look at the results of the experiments we did in class and write them up beforehand as you said.

Tutor: Yes, and that was good. It made it easier to analyze them. But you have to do some background reading as well. Did you get the list of articles I sent around? Mmm.

Ahmed: I started to read them.

Tutor: Okay, well, you’ll know that for next time.

Ahmed: Yes, sure

Tutor: So let’s move on to your participation in the seminar.

Ahmed: Right

Tutor: Perhaps you can tell me how you think that went.

Ahmed: Yeah, well, I’m not used to talking to more than a couple of people. It’s very different from the way we learn in my home country.

Tutor: Yes, I appreciate that.

Ahmed: So I think I am. Well, I know I should have included everyone, but I think I kept turning to the person next to me.

Tutor: Is that because you were avoiding eye contact?

Ahmed: I don’t think so. I’m not shy. It’s just habit, I think.

Tutor: Well, that will improve as we do more seminars.

Ahmed: Uh

Tutor: Um, another difficulty is knowing when to speak.

Ahmed: Like when it’s your turn.

Tutor: Yes,

Ahmed: I felt I did wait for a pause.

Tutor: Yes, you handled that quite well.

Ahmed: Thing I’m really concerned about is keeping up with the discussion.

Tutor: Does your mind wander off?

Ahmed: Sometimes I jot down a lot of information, but I still find myself thinking about something else when lots of other students are talking.

Tutor: If there’s an assignment to do at the end of a group that usually helps,

Ahmed: I’m sure it does.

Tutor: Okay, now, the last thing I want to look at is the role you play in the seminar.

Ahmed: What do you mean?

Tutor: Well, when students work in groups, they don’t all behave the same way. Some students that quiet, and some look for support. Some ask a lot of questions.

Ahmed: That’s a new idea to me. I don’t know what I’m like.

Tutor: That’s probably because you’re thinking about your own performance all the time.

Ahmed: I guess so. I mean should I be different in some way?

Tutor: What I would say is that when we do the next seminar, you should look more at the people around you. You know, look outside yourself.

Ahmed: Like ask me how they feel.

Tutor: Yes, or what they’re looking for from the group.

Ahmed: Okay,

Tutor: It doesn’t take much, but it’s important to watch what other students they’re doing.

Ahmed: Okay, I’ll do that.

Tutor: Fine. Now I’m going to suggest a couple of strategies for next week’s seminar.

Ahmed: Okay, that’s great. I need to participate more.

Tutor: Well, it’s not a question of saying more, but we need everyone to feel comfortable about giving their views.

Ahmed: Then the discussion is better.

Tutor: Yes, so you’re a confident person.

Ahmed: You should. I make sure I’m near someone who’s quiet

Tutor: You can do it, but it’s more about how well you pay attention to other students.

Ahmed: Okay, so I need to be attentive,

Tutor: Yes, and then encourage someone else to same or by saying what did you mean when you said or what do you think about the idea that

Ahmed: That way I’m talking?

Tutor: Yes, but you’ll find it other people will talk to you. You’ll all start to get really involved

Ahmed: Right they are good suggestions.

Tutor: The other thing that can really help is the way you take notes.

Ahmed: Yeah, I know I write down everything, but I should be stricter with myself.

Tutor: Well, you actually need to think a few days ahead.

Ahmed: Really

Tutor: Yes, what’s the topic, and what’s the best way of making notes?

Ahmed: I see. So I have a strategy when I walk in the room.

Tutor: Exactly. Then when you read through them later, they’ll make sense and you won’t have to write them out again.

Ahmed: I always have to do that.

Tutor: The other thing, I would say is that you should include a small column in your notes where you conjugate down things you want to go back to before the seminar ends.

Ahmed: Like a reminder.

Tutor: Yes, notes aren’t just for later. You can use them as a prompt when there’s a pause in the discussion.

Ahmed: That’s been really hopeful.

Tutor: Okay, see you in class tomorrow.

Ahmed: Thanks.

Attempt full listening test…