Conversation Class Lesson Summary
Language Resident Name:
IVAN LUCIC
Day and Date:
Wednesday, 23/01/2018
Language and Level (intermediate or advanced class):
German, Intermediate
Class theme/topics discussed:
Introduction, get to know each other
Goal of the class:
Get to know each other, set the goals for the semester, create a good atmosphere among the students
How did you structure the class?
Activity 1 (5 min): Mini presentation about the class and myself. I told the students that this was going to be “their” class as they would choose the topics we would discuss in the class (see activity 5).
Activity 2 (15 min): Ice-breaker. I handed four pieces of paper to each student and told them to write their name, hometown, major/minor and one hobby on every piece. Then I collected the pieces and mixed them. Afterwards, I handed them out again and told them to take a guess to whom it belongs. Therefore, the students were walking around the classroom and interviewing each other. When they found the person to whom the piece of paper belonged to, they gave it back to them. Finally, each student introduced himself to the class.
Activity 3 (10 min): Another ice-breaker. We played “bingo”. In this game, the students would have a work sheet with different boxes. In those, they would find an attribute, like “has a tattoo”. The students then had to go around the classroom and find a person that fits this criterium and fill in the box with the name of the person.
Activity 4 (10 min): Another ice-breaker. The students would get together in pairs of two. One of them would be the interviewer and the other one the interviewee. The interviewer would have 5 minutes and, in this time, try to get to know the other person as well as possible. The person would be able to ask any kind of question. The interviewer would write everything down. After 5 minutes they would change roles. After 5 minutes, everyone would present their results to the big group.
Activity 5 (5 min): We brainstormed the goals for the semester and also the topics the students want to discuss in class. We agreed that I would create a semester plan (with the topics) for the next time which we would discuss then.
Activity 6 (10 min): I handed out the conversation agreements. I made sure that the agreement made sense to everyone. Additionally, I added what I expected from the conversation class (rules, set of behavior, etc.). In the end, everyone signed the agreement. You can do this in English if the proficiency is not that good to do it in German.
What technology, media or props did you use? (internet resources, playmobiles, handouts, etc.)
Whiteboard and marker
Paper
Attendance sheets
Class agreements
Pens
Powerpoint presentation
What worked well in this class? What did not work?
The students were pretty proficient in German so we were able to talk more than the tasks I requested. I felt that we created a good atmosphere for the first class and that the students were genuinely interested. Also, I felt that the students were highly motivated and genuinely wanted to participate in the class.
How could this class be improved/ modified?
I would keep it as it is.
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.