Message from gjones

[Anonymous]

Another lesson that one can do is through the use of small learning teams. I would use this or something very similar to INTRODUCE a unit on Asia. I would break the class up into groups of four or five, and usually these are groups that have worked together before.
1. Simply have the students raise their hands and tell you the names of the Asian cultures- Japanese, Chinese, Korean etc. Write them on the board.
3. Once they are broken into teams, go around with a hat. The names of the various Asian cultures are written on slips of paper. Each team selects one (eliminates stupid arguments and time wasted).
4. Each group's mission is to simply list in 5 minutes as many things as they can about that particular culture. Have them be as specific as possible. Also, before they get to this point, address the difference between a fact and an opinion or stereotype (I neglected to do this one time and it really backfired on me and caused a lot more work in the end). Tell them to think about all areas of life- location, food, entertainment, history, music, sports etc.
5. When they are done have them read their lists to the class. You will be amazed at how little they know, how easily they confuse the cultures etc...
Address some of the misconceptions. You will find this an excellent way to hook your students and it is an excellent springboard into your unit.[Edit by="gjones on Jul 21, 11:58:00 AM"][/Edit]