Use an icebreaker to make people more comfortable with talking to a group. Have each person say three things about himself, for example, name, job and favorite hobby. Or students could make three statements about themselves, one of which is not true, and the other students have to guess which statement is false. In another activity, students pair up, interview each other and then introduce their partners to the class, based on what they learn. (see reference 1)
Debates on controversial topics get people involved and talking. Structure this activity according to how much freedom you want students to have. Select a topic and either assign people to each side of the debate or let them choose. Allowing people to choose the side they agree with could lead to a more heated debate, whereas assigning people might make the activity more light-hearted.
Read a novel together, both at home and aloud in class, and then discuss it. Choose a novel that is not too difficult, but not too easy either. If the vocabulary is too advanced, students might not be able to comprehend the text as deeply and therefore would not be able to participate in a meaningful discussion. Give students chapter questions to answer at home. That way, they will be prepared to discuss the book and will have time to correct grammar mistakes before class. Provide a list of literature-related vocabulary, such as "novel," "protagonist," "climax," "theme" and so on. Students also can write responsive essays or journal entries about the book.
An effective way to practice listening skills is to play popular music in the classroom and have students write down every word they hear in a song. Play the song several times, repeating segments that are especially difficult to understand. Students can compare answers until they have figured out every lyric. Now when students hear these songs on the radio, they will understand every word. And they also will pick up these words more easily in conversations. (see reference 2)