October 2023 registration is now open. Click here to register.

The Peer Speaking Practice Groups (PSPGs) offer graduate students opportunities to practice their oral communication skills. There are two types of PSPGs.

1. General Communication Themes - These PSPGs are most suitable for international graduate students who want to practice their English speaking skills in different situations and increase their knowledge about the differences in culture. Generally, the topics will be negotiated by participants and facilitators during the first session, but any additional topics can be brought up during the group meetings. Facilitators can also propose topics for each session.

- Possible topics: Making general conversation, living in the US, discussing hot or popular topics, sharing personal cultural experiences, practicing presentation skills, using politeness strategies

2. Interpersonal Communication Themes - These PSPGS are most suitable for both domestic and international graduate students who want to practice their interpersonal communication skills in different situations and increase their confidence in one-on-one interactions with others. Generally, the topics will be preset by the facilitator, but any additional topics or scenarios can be brought up during the group meetings. 

- Possible topics: Making small talk, preparing for a difficult conversation (e.g. with a major professor/labmate/roommate/landlord), resolving conflicts, using open or close statements, avoiding misunderstandings

GUIDELINES

  • Each group will be led by one trained facilitator.
  • Each group will commit to a four-week block and meet weekly for 50 minutes. 
  • Topics can be negotiated or preset by the facilitator.
  • Additional topics can be brought up during weekly sessions.
  • It is possible for certain topics to be covered in either types of PSPGs. For example, the topic of making small talk can be covered in either types of PSPGs, but the situation may be different. For example, making small talk can be for general day-to-day conversations, or it can be for networking purposes at an academic conference.

We strongly recommend that you commit to your group for the entire four weeks unless you are sick or unable to make it due to unforeseeable circumstances. This will allow better group cohesion and interactions.

* Groups will be formed monthly every fall and spring semester. Summer groups may be formed depending on facilitator availability.

 

October 2023

Group 8 In-person: Thursdays 4:10 - 5 p.m.  (US Central)

Facilitator: Erik Goodale

  • Location: Pearson 3131
  • Dates: October 5, 12, 19, 26
  • Type of PSPG: Interpersonal Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Small talk
    • Daily interactions
    • Planning difficult conversations
    • Avoiding misunderstandings
    • and your choice of topics

October 2023

Group 7 (Online): Wednesdays 4:10 - 5 pm (US Central)

Facilitator: Erik Goodale

  • Location: WebEx (Link will be emailed to you if you have registered.)
  • Dates: October 4, 11, 18, 26
  • Type of PSPG: Interpersonal Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Small talk
    • Daily interactions
    • Planning difficult conversations
    • Avoiding misunderstandings
    • and your choice of topics

October 2023

Group 6 (In Person): Tuesdays 4:10 - 5 pm. (US Central)

Facilitator: Erik Goodale

  • Location: Pearson 3131
  • Dates: October 3, 10, 17, 24
  • Type of PSPG: General Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Pets
    • Superstitions
    • Personality types
    • Sports/games
    • and your choice of topics

October 2023

Group 5 (In Person) : Mondays 5:10 - 6 p.m. (US Central)

Facilitator: Sebnem Kurt

  • Location: Parks Library 130C
  • Dates: October 9, 16, 23, 30
  • Type of PSPG: General Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Weather in Iowa: Talking about the unique weather patterns in Iowa and how they affect daily life.
    • Campus Facilities: Exploring the facilities and resources available on campus.
    • Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas: Understanding and comparing these American celebrations to those in your home country.
    • and your choice of topics
  

September 2023

Group 4 In-person: Thursdays 4:10 - 5 p.m.  (US Central)

Facilitator: Erik Goodale

  • Location: Pearson 3131
  • Dates: September 7, 14, 21, 28
  • Type of PSPG: Interpersonal Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Building intercultural friendships
    • Networking
    • Preparing for professional interviews
    • Managing competing agendas
    • and your choice of topics

September 2023

Group 3 (Online): Wednesdays 4:10 - 5 pm (US Central)

Facilitator: Erik Goodale

  • Location: WebEx (Link will be emailed to you if you have registered.)
  • Dates: September 6, 13, 20, 27
  • Type of PSPG: Interpersonal Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Building intercultural friendships
    • Networking
    • Preparing for professional interviews
    • Managing competing agendas
    • and your choice of topics

September 2023

Group 2 (In Person): Tuesdays 4:10 - 5 pm. (US Central)

Facilitator: Erik Goodale

  • Location: Pearson 3131
  • Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26
  • Type of PSPG: General Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Getting to know you (introductions)
    • Adjusting to American culture
    • Holidays
    • Hobbies
    • and your choice of topics

September 2023

Group 1 (In Person) : Mondays 5:10 - 6 p.m. (US Central)

Facilitator: Sebnem Kurt

  • Location: Parks Library 130C
  • Dates: September 11, 18, 25, and October 2
  • Type of PSPG: General Communication Themes
  • Topics:
    • Living in Ames: Sharing experiences and insights about life in Ames, Iowa.
    • Living in the USA: Discussing the differences between your home country and the U.S.
    • Cultural Differences: Exploring the cultural nuances and adjustments in your new environment
    • and your choice of topics
  

FALL 2023

Wednesdays, 1:30 - 2:20 p.m.

Postdoctoral Scholars Only

To register for this group, click on this link.

To contact Agata, click on this link.

Facilitator: Agata Guskaroska

  • Location: Pearson 3143
  • Dates: Every Wednesdays between Aug 21 - Dec 31, 2023
  • Type of PSPG: General Communication Themes
  • Topics: Negotiate topics with your peers and facilitator.