Class theme/topics discussed:
・Read the course requirements
・Self introduction (自己紹介)
How did you pick this theme or topic?
Because of the beginning of semester.
How did you present the material? (handouts, group work, general discussion, student presentations, etc.)
・8 students showed up. The beginning of class, I let them to read out the course requirements, then I explained the 3 points, which were attendance, language tables, cultural activities. They know the requirements already. Also, I asked them if they have meal plan or not.
・Pair Work/ I passed out a piece of papar to each of them, that paper is for memo when they interviewed their partner. I let them create at least 5 questions for interview. (except easy question such as “What’s your name?”) they wrote some note on paper which I gave out. Students had to meet many students as possible they could. After that, I tried them to introduce each other in front of us. For example, “こちらは○○さんです。○○さんはポモナ大学の３年生で、専攻は国際関係学です。” and more details.
How did students react?
They reacted very well! They seemed to be having fun during interview.
Did they engage with each other and you?
Yes, I think so. He asked me so many questions.
What materials or media did you use? (articles, satellite tv, digital projector, etc.)
a piece of paper
Would you recommend this activity for a future class?
YES!
Why or why not?
This interview exercise was reacted very well. They enjoyed a lot, also they talked with many students in Japanese. During this exercise, they had to listen carefully what their partner said.