Conversation Class Lesson Summary

Language Resident Name: Marina Simonnet

Day and Date: Thursday, November 10                             

Language and Level (intermediate or advanced class): Intermediate

Class theme/topics discussed: TV reality show: Students are candidates for a TV reality show in a desert island but they have to pass three tests. Each test allows students to earn points like a little contest.

Goal of the class:

Work on expression and strategic use of the target language: how to make yourself clear in the target language even if you are not fluent? Reviewing of general vocabulary, directions (left, right, straight, stop, turn, etc.) and work on argumentation.

How did you structure the class?

  1. First “test” with two groups and a little taboo game.
  2. Second “test” with pair work: one student is blind while the other has to guide him/her to find an object in the classroom.
  3. Third “test” with pair work: each student pick a job in the list and each group have to make an argumentative speech about how useful their skills can be to live in a desert island. The other students can ask questions. At the end, we make a vote to eliminate the group which didn’t manage to convince the others
  4. Vocabulary “tennis” to decide between the winners (if there is more than one). The topic would be related to the content of the class (objects to bring with you in a desert island for example).

What technology, media or props did you use? (internet resources, playmobiles, handouts, etc.)

A scarf, a taboo game (with chosen topics to make it easier for an intermediate class), various objects (I used the fruits and vegetables of the LRO), a list of jobs (see below), ballot papers

What worked well in this class? What did not work?

This worked very well and everyone was having fun. The second activity was the most entertaining. They have learnt some vocabulary (the fruit and vegetables we we’re hiding) without noticing it.

How could this class be improved/ modified?

 If you have a more detailed lesson plan, please attach it below (OK to use target language for that).  Please attach any handouts as well.

jobs