The Language Teacher
04 - 2003
Out and About
Charles Lacey
Kinjo Gakuin University
QUICK GUIDE
Key Words:Giving and following directions
Learner English Level: Beginner to advanced
Learner Maturity Level: Elementary school to adult
Preparation Time: 30-45 minutes
Activity Time: About 30 minutes
Materials: Small candies or other small objects
Many of us have the good fortune to teach at establishments with spacious, tree-lined campuses. As group dynamics seem to dramatically improve by occasionally altering the learning environment, why not make the most of the beautiful spring weather and move your classroom outdoors?
This lesson I propose can be generated almost entirely by the students themselves or adapted to allow more teacher support for lower level classes.
Procedure
Step 1: Divide students into groups of three or four. Give each group a map of the campus. You can sketch one yourself or copy a map from the university campus guide. Exclude places you deem hazardous or where your roaming students might be a distraction to other classes or office staff.
Step 2: Advise groups that they will be required to place four objects in locations of their choice throughout the campus and then write directions for finding these objects. The starting point when giving directions can be the classroom or an alternate spot on campus. To encourage competitiveness and a spirit of problem solving, urge those students writing directions to make finding the objects a challenge. Each student in a group can write one set of directions, or all members can jointly brainstorm locations and directions while one individual transcribes their thoughts. Once students are engaged in the activity, move among the groups to check that the directions are understandable and neither too obvious nor overly complex
Step 3: Once the students have finished writing the directions, distribute four small candies or other suitable items to each group.
Step 4: Instruct students to go their separate ways and put the items in their designated places. One team member can be responsible for the actual placement, while the others can act as decoys if necessary. Ten minutes is usually ample time for groups to go and come back.
Step 5: Upon returning, the various teams' directions are collected and redistributed in such a way that no team receives its own work. The activity can be competitive, where the first team to return with all the objects is the winner, or simply enjoyed at a more leisurely pace.
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