INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS AT MCKINNON

Continuing a research model from Monash University, McKinnon Secondary College introduced for the first time INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS this year. The aim is to connect younger language learners and older bilinguals to engage in natural conversation in another language.  In the Year 11 German class we met fortnightly with senior citizens and discussed topics related to our curriculum and personal experience.

What the students thought? 

• It helps fluency and accuracy of speaking.  I would like to maintain contact because it helped improve my German;
• You get used to the accents and speed at which native speakers talk;
• It improved my listening skills and refined the pronunciation;
• The conversations connected us with their life stories and the German culture.

We are looking forward to continuing this program in 2014 and invite senior members of the community with native language skills to participate in this program. 

If you are interested please contact Andrea Fowler, Head of Languages.

Andrea Fowler

Head of Languages