Sample Task - Structured Integrated-Skills Activity Preps

 

A SHORT FILM ‘DOTTY’

 After the term break, the English Language Department decided to start the new term focusing more on student engagement and interaction. Prep classes started the week to concentrate and to show empathy on the relation between technological devices and elderly people.

The lessons (3 lessons) were designed around a moving short film called ‘DOTTY’ by Brett O’Gorman and Mick Andrews , and the themes of texting and elderly people. Students discussed texting, wrote instructions, predicted how a short film ends, read a film review and wrote a film review accordingly.

 Step 1

Students discussed and exchanged information in breakout rooms on the following questions:

-        How many text messages do you send a day?

-        How many text messages do you receive a day?

-        How long does it take to compose a text  message?

Step 2

Teacher elicited mobile phone related vocabulary.

• to text

• to unlock your mobile

• to enter your PIN

• to scroll down/up

• to go to the main menu

• to select

• to press a button

 Step 3

In a time limit of 15 minutes students were asked to imagine that they have to help an 80-year-old lady who wants to send a text to her daughter, but she had never sent a text before nor used a mobile phone until present. The woman has a new phone which was turned off.

In a group of 4 in breakout rooms, the students had to write step by step instructions to ensure that the elderly lady could write and send her message. Reiterated that the instructions needed to be very clear and structured as she had never sent a message before. They were told that they could use their own mobile phones to remind themselves of the necessary steps. Students were also encouraged to use the specific vocabulary in Step 2.

 

Step 4

The groups showed and read their instructions and the class agreed on a user’s manual for a mobile phone.

 

Step 5

Students were told they are going to watch a short film in which they will see a woman trying to explain to an elderly lady how to compose and send a text. As they watched they should compare the woman’s instructions with their own and the one they all agreed with  each group's instructions.

 Step 6

Students watched the film.

Step 7

Students gave feedback and compared what they have missed and why haven’t thought about.

 Step 8

Students were put into breakout rooms and were asked to discuss the following questions:

-        What do you think the message of the film is?

-        How do you think the old lady’s daughter feels?

-        How does the film make you feel?

-         Do you know an elderly person who finds it difficult to use new technology?

 Step 9

A short discussion session was held about their answers to the questions in Step 8.

 Step 10

Students were put again into breakout rooms to write a short review about the short film.

 

Step 11

Students shared their reviews with the rest of the class.