The Conversation Tree Recognized as a Globally Engaged Initiative

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) recognized The Conversation Tree as a Global Engagement Initiative for its community-engaged learning program that enables Rutgers' students to participate in multilingual communities. Dr. Mary Curran, Associate Dean for Local-Global Partnerships at Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE), formally accepted the award on behalf of The Conversation Tree during ACTFL's annual conference.

 

The Conversation Tree is a program run by the GSE and Rutgers Collaborative Center for Community-Based Research and Service in partnership with local community-based organizations. The Conversation Tree provides opportunities for adult language learners to engage in free flowing one-on-one and small group conversations facilitated by Rutgers students. Rutgers students enroll in an academic course to become conversation facilitators where they learn to meet the communicative needs of others while facilitating a variety of discussion topics through intercultural conversations. In this safe setting, participants experience the spontaneity of real-world English conversation. The participants and students benefit from meeting new people from various backgrounds and cultures.

 

"It is an honor to be recognized by ACTFL and to share The Conversation Tree’s model with educators," noted Dr. Curran. "It is important to give students the opportunity to connect with local community members and engage with and learn from people from diverse cultural backgrounds."

 

Since 1967, ACTFL has been dedicated to promoting teaching and learning of languages, and has more than 12,500 members.  As educators in the United States work to prepare our students for global competence, ACTFL provides quality world language resources to help students develop their linguistic and intercultural competence skills.

 

 

Visit The Conversation Tree's webpage on the GSE website to learn more about the program.