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What issues are likely to be of highest concern to your students?
1. Transportation
2. recycling and reusing/ recovery techniques
3. electronic waste10 Comments-
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
In my current context, riding a bike is also more of a form of independence and uncostly way of commuting for them. (Some of my learners are worrying about losing their bus passes so it appeals to them, and I thought I could exploit such materials). Sometimes, it is the perfect good way of raising awareness – like in one of your lesson plans…Read More
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![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
Tugce, I know you have already done an absolutely brilliant in-depth analysis of a lesson, but after reading this I would love to get your opinion on how this lesson might address the issue your learners are facing, which is they want to cycle but don’t always feel safe enough. I just love the Game of Thrones language in the video clip and wonder…Read More
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
I think that’s a great idea, Owain! If they use this language (making requests) that they do in their discussion and role play in writing as well – writing to a council – that’d tie up everything! The lesson is wonderful, btw! And yes, I liked the play with “language” LOL. We can enhance the discussion to “why do you think they use such a…Read More
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![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
I’m glad you like it! And what a great idea bringing in the Game of Thrones characters. I’m imagining myself riding to class now dressed as one of the characters. Not sure which though!
Regarding the interactive lessons, I can’t take credit for them as I usually make the original on PowerPoint, and then Milica enjoys making them into what you…Read More
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![Profile picture of Ben Crompton]()
Electronic waste! That’s a really interesting one, and very relevant to the broad stroke environmental policies that we’re seeing coming out of the EU at the moment. In what regards do you think this affects your learners?
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
I think this has been a current issue for ages! They keep changing their devices with the new model as soon as the newer brand is released without knowing WHAT resources are wasted for a mobile phone??? Incredible!
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![Profile picture of Ben Crompton]()
It could be really interesting to do a project on the life cycle of a low-end mobile phone – the cheap Samsungs and Xiaomis and so on that many people really can afford to replace every year or so. I know that some of the bigger brand devices come with claims (greenwashing alert?) that x% of the device is made up of recycled plastic or aluminium…Read More
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
Great ideas! And how about the way how we dispose electronic waste? How it should be/shouldn’t be. A project like this might appeal to teenagers.
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
#prepare a persuasive poster/talk
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What issues are likely to be of highest concern to your students?
1. River Pollution
2. Air pollution
3. plastics![Profile Photo]()
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1 Comment-
![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
@marcela-villan I’m particularly interested in you mentioning river pollution. What is the river near where you live and what part does it play in your students’ lives? Also, what threats is it facing?
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What issues are likely to be of highest concern to your students?
1. Chemical air pollution (sulfur dioxide from the garbage dump)
2. Waste management in our city (waste disposal and recycling)
3. Pollution in our Adriatic Sea![Profile Photo]()
![Profile Photo]()
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5 Comments-
![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
I imagine these are issues that students would have something to say about in classes. Have you ever done a class that focused on these issues?
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![Profile picture of Mila Pandzic]()
Mostly debate classes, not incorporated in some language classes. But when I say language, it means communication and other parts of my curriculum, so let’s say – yes.
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![Profile picture of Rian McGuinness]()
Waste management is one that I think we can all relate to. I often think of two examples of waste management that I regard as opposite ends of the scale: the UK and South Korea. Despite being two economically successful countries, with densely packed, highly educated populations, these two represent the best and worst I’ve seen. In South Korea,…Read More
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![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
I agree the UK is rubbish at rubbish! Added to the problems you mention is the fact that it’s the biggest producer of electronic waste per person. What impresses me about Algeria and Bulgaria where I worked before is the repair culture. It’s easy to find a shop that will replace a smart phone battery for free, and people are adept at fixing up an…Read More
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
I agree. it is a common problem in most parts of the Europe. In my country (Turkey) as well. I wonder if we can turn it into a project with some students?
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What issues are likely to be of highest concern to your students?
1. Cars and how the transition from petrol to electric will affect them.
2. The desert and mangrove ecosystems and how polluted they are becoming.
3. Air-conditioning and rising summer temperatures.14 Comments-
![Profile picture of Ben Crompton]()
Thank you for sharing this, Rian. Lots to unpack here, and I think I’m going to start with your second point about the mangrove ecosystems. From what I understand, mangroves play an important ecological role – both in terms of wildlife populations, but also coastal protection. What effects of pollution are you and your learners experiencing with…Read More
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![Profile picture of Rian McGuinness]()
Hi Ben. honestly, I hadn’t thought of the coastal erosion/protection angle, so that could be useful. My students tend to be a bit ‘nuts and bolts’ and seem to want to see dramatic effects, rather than the odd plastic bottle lying around. This could certainly herald a fresh approach to explaining and exploring the myriad benefits mangroves provide.
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![Profile picture of Ben Crompton]()
@rian-mcguinness What would ‘nuts and bolts’ environmental/sustainable issues look like to your learners? Here in Southern Spain, mine would probably react to more common heatwaves in the summer or drastic water shortages, but like yours I suspect they wouldn’t be so concerned with litter or recycling. In fact, when one of the major supermarkets…Read More
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![Profile picture of Rian McGuinness]()
Hi Ben. Honestly, I think nuts and bolts would be something like the tropical storm, Shaheen, which hit Oman and the UAE last year. Perhaps if mangrove-protected areas faired better during one of these events, people might be able to relate a bit more.
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![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
Interesting, Rian. I’m curious about the cars angle. How do people feel about the transition to electric cars in the Gulf. Is it seen as something broadly positive or is it a threat to a lifestyle that has come from the export of oil? I must say I have mixed feelings about electric cars. On the one hand they are obviously much healthier to have in…Read More
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![Profile picture of Ben Crompton]()
@eltsusta It’s interesting that you say that. I simply can’t see electric cars being a viable solution in places without modern infrastructure. I’m sure for those living in built-up areas or with their own garages they might seem quite a feasible option, but for those of us living in rural communities they are simply unviable in the first place:…Read More
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![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
@ben-crompton a fair point, and I’m probably seeing this through the lens of being a reluctant urbanite. I would be glad to not breathe in exhaust fumes on my way to work, but also well aware that mining the rare earth minerals for batteries has massive issues. But what you’ve said has got me thinking, as I’m currently reading a fantastic book…Read More
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![Profile picture of Mila Pandzic]()
Electric car is a very popular topic in my class. You have probably heard of Rimac Nevera, fastest electric car, made by a Croatian manufacturer Mate Rimac. His factory is around 20 minutes of our school so let’s say he is our “neighbour” and he is building now a Rimac Campus close to us. Two weeks ago we have read some texts about Nevera and…Read More
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![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
It’s fascinating to have someone like that writing so close. It could make for an amazing field trip for the students of even a class visit from Mate Rimac. On another note what you’re saying reminds me of a book i’m about to start. Teach your Child how to Think by Edward de Bono. Apparently it’s full of activities for developing the skills and…Read More
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![Profile picture of Rian McGuinness]()
This is brilliant, Mila. I will certainly use this approach in future classes! I always find myself in a dilemma over what is ideal versus what is an incremental improvement. On the topic of electric cars, I’m still on the fence, but they seem to be slightly preferable to the 6-litre gas guzzlers my students usually aspire to drive. It’s just such…Read More
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![Profile picture of Rian McGuinness]()
@eltsusta Tesla cars are trendy here, but I’m not convinced it’s because they are environmentally friendly. Firstly, the main reason for all the Tesla love among my students is that they are cool and perceived as luxurious. The second reason is that the broader impact of Tesla and its sister companies is dubious at best (Space X). I think most…Read More
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![Profile picture of Owain Llewellyn]()
@rian-mcguinness I like the idea of students convincing you one way or another and I’d say that fits well with learner-driven language lessons. I think it’s a more effective approach than telling learners what to think. I’m wondering what task could be set up in which students can do this. I like @mila-pandzic‘s debate idea, and I’m also…Read More
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
I did an eco-bike lesson in class about that transportation subtopic recently, and students really enjoyed that. videos can be interesting supporting his as well.
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![Profile picture of Tugce Cankaya Simpson]()
@Rian, forgive my ignorance, can you expand on Tesla please? Thanks.
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Interesting, teaching in an urban area, I have also found that transportation is a popular topic. How do your students approach this? Is it concerns about air pollution, or how roads can carve up communities, a wish to be able to walk or cycle in safety, or something else?