Sell It!
Intended students:
Intermediate to advanced level students in an academic speaking, writing or integrated skills course.
Time needed: 30-60 minutes
Objectives:
Procedure:
Materials:
Evaluation:
Students may require more time than available during a class session. Let them begin in class to brainstorm and plan, then assign the rest for homework. Present in the next class session.
References:
Intermediate to advanced level students in an academic speaking, writing or integrated skills course.
Time needed: 30-60 minutes
Objectives:
- To motivate students through use of technology
- To practice speaking fluency
- To practice grammar and/or vocabulary in a meaningful context
- To produce a radio commercial selling a product
Procedure:
- Listen to several sample radio commercials online. In a class discussion, observe features of the commercial style, number of voices, content, etc.
- Put class into groups of 2-4 students. Each group should have access to one smartphone with an audio recording app.
- In groups, students create a 60-second radio commercial advertising a product for sale. It might include a jingle, description of the product, where to find the product, why someone would want to buy the product, etc. If certain vocabulary or a grammar structure is required for practice, include that in the list for students.
- Each student must have a speaking part in the activity. Students should write an outline, but a script is not necessary as they are developing language fluency.
- When ready, students can introduce and present their commercials to the class. Use an external speaker to amplify the sound for all the class to hear, or have students email the file to a class computer with audio projection.
Materials:
- Internet and audio access on a computer, tablet or phone with external speakers
- Smartphones with audio recording app, one per student group
Evaluation:
Students may require more time than available during a class session. Let them begin in class to brainstorm and plan, then assign the rest for homework. Present in the next class session.
References:
- Marilyn Lee & Andralena Panczenko (2014). “Using Cell Phones in Class to Improve Learning and Motivation” Workshop at LA Regional CATESOL Conference.
- Sample Radio Commercials: http://www.babble-on-recording.com/samples/