Job Discussion Forums

[7969]

i'm giving some students a list of phrases used when attending a meeting, but having a hard time deciding what type of meeting role play might be useful for students. i know that if they do go to any meetings it will be just go there sit down and listen. they dont get to participate much as we might expect.

any ideas on what type of meeting/role play situations might be useful for college students? any suggestions welcome.

7969

[Malsol]

[kev7161]

My feeling is, regardless if they get an opportunity to actually speak English in meetings out in the real world of China, they should still get the opportunity to practice meetings as if they would. Who can tell which of your students will someday be shipped abroad for a certain amount of time?

A good way to make them "think on their feet" is to create a role-play of some sort where questions are asked (perhaps by you) in the "meeting" and then answered by the student. Certainly give them a script if you will, but make sure your copy is slightly altered so you can ask a question or opinion that is not on their copy. How many can come up with a reasonably good answer on their own using competent English?

(by the way, this exercise could work in most any English lesson)

[Voldermort]

Just an idea, but how about a meeting regarding a joint business venture with the Japanese? Be sure to divide the students yourself with any form of meeting/debate. With the first meeting, don't worry so much about the language structures used, the most important aspect is to get them talking. Since it's the first, they will be a little unsure about what to do.

A good one that worked for me in the past was related to students and their homework. The class were divided into pro and con by myself and had to argue their case. They first gave a small speech, after having a week to prepare, then they debated.

[fraup]

Some suggested role play scenarios:

1) The university has just been given 10 million yuan (or some other sum) to improve the facilities. Students can represent the different academic departments--sciences calling for more labs, IT people wanting upgrades, English department needing software and TV/DVDs in each classroom etc. Other areas such as dormitories, cafeteria, library could have representatives as well. You could choose 3-4 students to be the senior people at the uni and they would decide who presented the best argument(s).
2) McDonalds and _____ (use local fast-food outlet--in Shanghai I recall a "Happy Dumpling" featuring 25+ varieties) want to open a place on campus to compete with the campus cafeteria. The meeting is to hear both representatives and see which one would be better for the university.
You can also have students representing the "healthy food" and "keep to traditional Chinese food" opinions.
3) In other countries, students have participated in campus meetings re increasing tuition (how much and for what use); school schedule (two semesters vs. year-round, Saturday classes); living arrangements (dorm rules, curfews, coed dorms, visitations by opposite sex, who is responsible for cleaning/laundry, etc.) You could probably ask students what the current situation is, and then construct a possible scenario involving change.

[Girl Scout]

I present my students with a series of problems: problems with employes, problems with facilities, problems with clients (vendors). You can use whatever fits you company. I then have my students suggest sulotions to the problems and decide which solution will work best for the situation. There is a lot of room for different extension activities and variation from this basic idea.