Job Discussion Forums

[DaveInNagano]

I've been teaching ESL in Japan for a long time, but I'm suddenly faced with a new and rather overwhelming task. This year, for the first time, our university is holding a week-long orientation for the incoming freshman class, concluding with an overnight stay at a hotel in the Japan Alps.

On the final night I'll be in charge of a 30 minute "seminar", to be conducted completely in English, for 130 students whom I've never met before. I have been given no assigned themes for the gathering other than "communication" and "Let's have fun!"

I want my "seminar" to be interesting, and I have several ideas for possible activities (things that I used successfully with smaller groups). However, the thought of trying to get 130 typically very passive 18-year-olds involved in an activity is really beginning to worry me. After all, it's not a class --- they may simply refuse to do anything. To make matters worse, all of the other Japanese faculty will be observing, which will probably make the students even less likely to want to participate.

Has anyone out there ever had to entertain/motivate a huge group of Japanese students outside of a typical classroom situation, completely in English, for 30 minutes or more? If so, what suggestions (e:g: a specific activity, motivation ideas, etc...) can you share?

Dave Carlson

[JimDunlop2]

Wow! Sounds like a blast, actually! This kind of thing I can really enjoy.

Here's my two bits. First, keep it super-simple. 30 minutes is nothing! Peanuts, really. As for content, that should be pretty easy. As for getting participation, I wouldn't worry much either. Japanese students are usually pretty obedient when there is somebody who "takes charge" of the situation. They may be reluctant at first, but it should be OK.

I would get onto the net and start researching "team building" and "icebreaker" activities... You know the kind that you get at seminars and conferences... If you adapt those to an ESL level, they can be really fun....

Also, include something they can relate to -- an activity which they may already know... I've seen a simple game of "shiritori" go really far!

Stress "communication" and don't worry too much about the "fun" aspect... That should occur naturally. Remember that communication comes in many forms -- verbal, non-verbal, etc.... Try to illustrate a hands-on approach to communicating that outlines the difference between "communicating" and "not communicating." You only have 30 minutes. I would organize it something like this:

Introduction or icebreaker (interactive in some way if possible): 5 minutes

Short intro to "communication": 10 minutes

Hands-on activity: 5 minutes

Debriefing: 5 minutes

Second activity: 5 minutes

Debriefing and session conclusion: 5 minutes

I know, I know, I'm 5 minutes over.... But that's the best I can do in a pinch!

Good luck and enjoy! Sounds like a fun task!

JD

[PAULH]