Developing Mediation Skills for Intercultural Communication

Our students are learning English to communicate with people from around the world, with people with different cultural backgrounds and a range of communication styles.  They are eager to make real connections, build relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations.  In the new CEFR descriptors for mediation, the ability to facilitate a pluri-cultural space and manage communication in delicate situations has been given fresh importance and re-defines how our students can become effective communicators in English. So how can we help students successfully navigate these real, culturally rich situations? Using examples from Voices from National Geographic Learning, this interactive session demonstrates lesson ideas and activities educators can use to help our students develop the skills and language they need to communicate effectively across cultures.