Just like everyone else on this planet, I’m dealing with a pesky flu. The good news is that I’ve almost managed to defeat it. Now I just need to regain my voice.
These days, in class, all activities revolve around the topic of Education and the problems in our education system. The video shared in this post proves to be an excellent resource for engaging discussions on these issues.
This video is perfect as it hits several birds with one stone. In the video, we’ll find a brief introduction, followed by the presentation of six potential problems in our education system.
Wondering why I say it hits several birds with one stone? On the one hand, students enhance their listening skills and work collaboratively, and on the other hand, we get a starting point to discuss the challenges in our education system. Besides, it doesn’t obviously hurt to introduce beautiful QR codes in class, does it?
Note: before the class, ask students to bring their earbuds and ensure they have a QR Code reader installed in their mobile phones/devices
LISTENING. Level. B2+
- Play the introduction (0:00-0:32) for the whole class.
- Explain that after the introduction, 6 problems related to our education system will follow.
- Form groups of up to 6 students and assign each student a problem.
- Direct the students’ attention to the walls of the class, where they will find a copy containing the QR readers for each student/problem.
- Students scan their assigned QR Code and listen, taking notes and jotting down as much information as possible.
RETELLING AND DISCUSSING IN THEIR GROUPS
After wrapping up the listening phase, everyone in the group takes a seat. Student 1 takes the lead by sharing what they’ve gathered about their assigned issue. Once their account is complete, they invite group members to contribute with comments regarding the discussed issue. Then, it is Student 2’s turn.
These are the instructions I wrote on the board
- Clearly state the problem
- Summarize the information you have heard in the video
- Ask the group’s opinion. Is it a problem in our current education system?
Note: they talked so much that we didn’t have time to discuss all the issues. I guess this is a good thing!
Materials: here
