Job Discussion Forums

[gaijinalways]

I'm debating about shaking things up this semester. I have been intrigued listening to other teachers working with low level students and having them do presentations for example (I do this with higher level students that I have, but often find it is difficult or too time consuming to do with some of my classes). But I am starting to think to raise the bar and try and make things more interesting for my students (and me and make them do more work outside the classroom, especially if project work is involved).

I will still be using a text (required for the classes I teach, though I get to choose something either from a list of approved texts or one that is appoved by my manager), but am considering other activities tht I might use. I was chagrinned to learn that one teacher I know teaches the same content for all his lower level classses, regardless of the title (or department requirements). I guess his thinking is he would rather do only what's comfortable (what works in his opinion and possibly keeps the class busy) or what he likes doing, based on past experience.

Anyway, any suggestions? I have done drama, role-plays, video exercises, etc.. But I'm looking for something different. These classes meet once a week or ninety minutes, and generally have around 20 students (I have a few that are exceptions, but perhaps will only be 2).

Have many of you done debate or presentations with your lower level students? I don't want to any report writing, requires too much research for them and more advanced writing skills than they have, especially in a second language. I may consider doing graded readers again, though I probably need to have them read something easier (I did a story I thought was interesting, but it semed a little too difficult for my students). Usually in my classes I try to have a balance of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. For the majority of them, I am not in the language lab, so generally it would be better if the activities are not pc geared.

Please share and tell us;

What have you done? How did it work? Did you have many problems? Did the students enjoy doing it?