An event English by speaking took place at Owl’s cafe in Olomouc on 28th February 2023. It’s an English conversation club. The one-hour long conversation topic was Education & Intelligence.
At the beginning sheets of paper with 12 questions were handed out. Six questions for each topic. Attendees took turns in answering the questions. They added theirs opinions and views while drinking coffee of cappuccino.
At the end the organizer offered a document with tips and advice how to improve in foreign languages. Anybody who uses the advice can move up one to two levels based on the CEFR.
People from around the world and views to think about
There were another 4 people at the event. Two of them were from the Czech republic. One of them was from Ukraine and the last one was from the Dominican republic. The one from the Dominican republic studied in the USA. At the moment she’s looking for a country to carry on with her master’s degree and she likes Czechia the most so far.
During the discussion attendees came to a conclusion that contemporary education miss more practical way of learning and trying. Another problem is that the education is not individual enough. The contemporary educational system originates from the time of the industrial revolution. It still tries to create uniform individuals.
There was a question what is considered good education. It is the one which teaches skills usable in the real life as well as general knowledge, history and social sciences. The last three mentioned can help us to avoid conflicts and the problems of the past.
On a question what makes a person intelligent were given various answers. The intelligent person should have theoretical knowledge, experience and an ability to be kind to others and to understand others. In conclusion to be empathetic.
Invitation to the next English by speaking event
This conversation club isn’t only about practising English, but it’s also about discussing social topics relevant to the present-day world. As we know, the same opinions connect people and can build friendships and that’s empowering (invigorating).
The organizer, Bretislav Sobek, is planning to carry on with his efforts to connect people by speaking English and discussing further.
The next English by speaking VII. takes place on 13. 6. 2023, Tuesday, from 18:00 till 19:00 at the Owl’s cafe at Ztracena 12 in Olomouc. Come over to have a chat and get to know new people.
