Responsive Tasks

Activity 1: Speed Meeting

Activity:

Let the students know they will be doing an activity where they will speak to a partner for a short time period.
Present a few questions based on a theme or topic you want students to discuss. EX:

If you can, get a few students and TAs to demonstrate. Demonstrating will make the task go smoother. Have the demonstrators stand in an inner circle facing out and an outer circle facing in. Show a pair taking turns asking each other the questions. The have the circle move one. The new partners will ask again. repeat it once or twice so students understand.
Let the students know that they will a period of time to talk. I usually give 5 minutes (because the goal is to give short responses instead of a long conversation).
Set the students up in a space in or outside of the classroom.
Set the timer and let the students speak.
- You can use a ppt or handouts with questions to help students focus on the question.
Once everyone has a few partners, then bring the class together to share with the class. Ask a few pairs to speak. If one student talks this week, remember that and ask another student to share in the next class.

Preparation:

Think of a list famous people that your students must know (celebrities, singers, actors, politicians, etc).
- Get list of 15-30 names or items.
Write one name or item on one card.
Organize the cards.

Activity:

Tell the students that they are going to play a game where they need to ask questions. Limit the number of questions to 20.
One student or TA will pick a card and read the name without letting the students see it.
The rest of the students need to take turn asking questions until they can guess who the person is.

EX:

Lead Student: sees"Joe Biden"

Student A: Is the person a boy.

Lead Student: Yes

Student B: Is the man from Taiwan?

Lead student: No

ETC.

This can be changed to the leader can only answer with yes/no, one word, or a few words.

Check the video for the game in action.