Language and Section: SPA 13.2
Date: 09/15/2011
Class theme/topics discussed: National Identity
Goal of the class: To debate and promote reflection on different political systems, as well as introduce vocabulary relating to those systems.
Structure of the class (unless you attach your lesson plan below):
– Each group got assigned a political system on which they had to make a presentation and an argument for its implementation in the new nation (even if they don’t personally agree with the system) They were: Absolute Monarchy, Liberal Democracy, State Socialism.
– Each group made their case and then fielded questions put forth by the other groups.
– The class as a whole votes on a system to implement in the new nation
What technology, media or props did you use? (satellite tv, internet resources, playmobiles, etc.)
Whiteboard
What worked well in this class? What did not work?
The students were engaged and they presented very good points. The quizzing by their classmates forced them to think on their feet and express themselves quickly, which they did with very satisfactory level. They managed to articulate a very complex system to an astonishing level of detail, as the questions and debate became more focused on pragmatically matters. WARNING: this worked well because I knew the group was very politically-minded; other groups may not be as interested or even offended.
How could this class be improved/ modified?
If a group has truly differing opinions it could work less as a roleplaying exercise and more as an honest debate, though this can be a double-edged sword.