Last year, I wrote a lesson plan in relation to Zeitgeist 2011. As 2012 is drawing to a close, I thought it suitable to reflect, as I had done with the #12from12 challenge, and to review the year in a greater context to world events. Many events occurred during this year which are highlighted very well in the Google Zeitgeist video below.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY_MUB8adEQ]
As with last year’s lesson plan, you could review learner’s of the year, reflect on their achievements and aims for the future, perhaps with the use or the making of a poster. Get learners to bring in their most important photos of 2012 and get them to share them with the class.
Context & Introduction to Topic
When starting the class ask students:
- what they have achieved during 2012
- what is their most memorable event during the year
- what was the most surprising element of 2012
- learner and/or teacher resolutions for 2013
Monitor language for correct tense usage, monitor language as well as boarding and scaffolding emergent language.
Zeitgeist 2012 YouTube Video
- Tell learners that they are going to be watching a video but put learners in pairs or small groups.
- Describe to each pair or group of learners that before they watch the video, they need to work together and think of five important events that happened in 2012.
- Elicit possible important events during 2012 from the learners and write their suggestions on the whiteboard.
- Tell learners that they are going to watch a video that is related to 2012. The learners need to watch the video and check to see if any of their suggestions are in the video.
- Play the video.
- Once the video has been played, ask learners to mention what events that were suggested (and transcribed on the whiteboard) are in the video.
- Elicit any other important events from 2012 the learners and add these to the whiteboard (if the learners can remember some of the other important events in the video).
- Play the video for a second time.
Discussion Time
- Once several events from 2012 have been written on the board, tell students that they are going to be working in groups and have to re-order the events in importance (one being the most important and the last one being least important). All learners within the group must accept the order of importance.
- Monitor learners for suitable or potential language that could be used to scaffold (I think … is the most important, Why do you think …?, What do you think?, etc).
- After learners have completed the re-ordering activity, get several groups together and to compare results with the potential to debate.
- Allow sometime once the debate/discussion has finished for feedback and error correction.
I'm looking for more information on getting TEFL certified. I have a BA in bio, but no experience creating lesson plans. Was looking into http://www.unitefl.com Any thoughts on their program or similar programs? How about a CELTA?
Hello. I would recommend that you complete a CELTA course at one centre. It is traditionally a 4 week course with a combination of teaching practice and input from the tutors. You will learn all you need to know about lesson planning, delivering a lesson and have a chance to get your foot in the door with various schools around the world. I hope this helps.