Conversation Class Lesson Plan

Section: Advanced Conversation
Date: January 19, 2010

 

Class theme/topics discussed: Introduction to the Conversation Class

How did you pick this theme or topic? Informational meeting for the first class to discuss important aspects of class and to get to know each other.

How did you present the material? (handouts, group work, general discussion, student presentations, etc.)
First of all, I introduced myself to the students and told them about me and my job as a Language Resident. Then, we went over the syllabus together. I asked the students, if they had questions and I told them more about the study breaks, cultural events, and German table. Afterwards I asked them, if they were interested in any specific topic or subject that they would like to discuss in this class. I wrote their answers down in order to respect their interests regarding the planning of the semester. Finally, I said that I’d like to know a little bit more about them too, so they were supposed to interview and find out interesting things about each other. They made notes and afterwards we talked about what they had found out.

How did students react?
The students seemed to like the activity and were eager to ask each other questions. The three students, who enrolled in this class, already knew each other before, so the atmosphere was very relaxed and informal, but the students still enjoyed getting to know one another more.

Did they engage with each other and you?
Yes, they talked a lot and they had fun interviewing each other and presenting the results.

What materials or media did you use? (articles, satellite tv, digital projector, etc.)
Copies of the syllabus

Please attach a copy.

Would you recommend this activity for a future class? Why or why not?
Yes. It was a nice way to get to know the students and to motivate them to talk in German.