Based on the assumption that the acquisition of language habits is in itself insufficient for the true mastery of language, small group discussion techniques have been used in conversation workshops for students in English as a second language (ESL) courses at New York's Bronx Community College. In the groups, students are induced to communicate with others by employing newly learned grammatical structures. One of the exercises used in the ESL groups presents students with a problem and possible courses of action. The students are divided into "buzz groups," or goal-directed discussion groups of no more than six students, with the task of arriving at a consensus regarding the solution, selecting a spokesman, and formulating a rationale for the group's decision. In attempting to convince other members of their group, students are forced to participate, construct persuasive explanations for their position, and make themselves understood in English. Another exercise also involves the use of "buzz groups" to arrive at a consensus regarding a survival scenario. These exercises are effective in increasing students' ability to express themselves and employ free conversation, while the use of "buzz groups" can be particularly helpful in oversized classes to allow all students the opportunity to participate. Contains five references. (TGI)