Oral Communication

Resource for Teaching Students How to Create an Infographic 

The resource, Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Everything: Infographics as a Creative Assessment https://www.schrockguide.net/infographics-as-an-assessment.html#workshop, explores infographics. 

Infographics are a visual representation of data. When students make infographics, they use visuals, statistics as well as technological literacies. The resource includes links to help teachers develop both formative and summative assessment that have students designing infographics to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. 

I can think of many ways that teachers can incorporate infographics into their teaching. Educators can teach students about organizing information, summarizing their thoughts, thinking how ideas align, etc. Helping students to organize main thoughts is helpful because it can help them to transition into learning more complex literacy skills. For example, these infographics can be the starting point of an assignment and then they can help educators transition into teaching about paragraphs or essay writing.

I will use this resource by instructing students to create an infographic that compares two ideas. Students can use infographics to compare information and help create classroom debates between students. For example, I would create an assignment where the students pick their topic, debate two different sides of the argument and then display this information on the infographic. After, they can then verbally explain their debate to their peers.

Here is a link for example templates for infographics:
- https://www.canva.com/tools/Infographic-maker-v1/?utm_source=google_sem&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=REV_CA_EN_CanvaPro_Infographic_EM&utm_term=REV_CA_EN_CanvaPro_Infographic%20Templates_EM&gclid=Cj0KCQiAt_PuBRDcARIsAMNlBdpj2TW9vatAKI3aWBMw_OrJ17MMOQNTVLQ7y7xqyTvJjAN2u4XNcDAaApVLEALw_wcB

 

Resource for Teaching Students About Creating Podcasts 

Podcasts are spoken audio recordings that are focused on a particular topic or theme. The use of Podcasts in the classroom can be beneficial because they offer the opportunity to broadcast audio content that can be listened to at any time. Students can re-listen to a podcast as many times as they like which can be advantageous for those who need more time to think.

An example of a podcast is a Ted Talk. Ted Talks are educational podcasts that aim to inspire and encourage thinking in listeners. Teachers can incorporate Ted Talks in the oral communication strand. Students can watch one and then answer a series of questions on the content verbally. They can then post their responses in a virtual learning environment. This can be connected to Oral Communication because listening and speaking skills are essential for social interaction.

Here are 5 tips for teaching students to use podcasts:

1.     Prior to a lesson, have students create a fun 1-minute Podcast, so they can explore the various tools they might use for a Podcast.

2.     Choose a topic and/or purpose or have students choose their own. Connect to current events and provide opportunities for students to participate in a constructive debate and solve problems.

3.     Create a rubric with the class beforehand to measure student success and help guide students throughout the task.

4.     Find exemplar podcasts to show. Have students identify the elements of a podcast while listening.

5.     Celebrate the podcasts by sharing them with a larger audience. Have students make connections, ask questions or reflect on the message of each podcast when done.

Resource for Implementing Debating into the Classroom

Debating includes a discussion between two parties aimed at forming a conclusion.  Debating requires two parties having different views about the same topic. The purpose of debating is for students to express themselves. This is done by using arguments that are persuasive. It aims to help refine students’ arguments so they are acceptable to those listening.

Here are 5 Essential Tips for Conducting a Class Debate:

1. Introduce the topic

- All debates start with a topic. Choose a topic to which your students can relate or one with practical application.

2. Assign the Affirmative and the Negative

- There are two sides to any debate. Break your class into two groups and assign groups. One will argue for and another against the resolution.  

3. Give Time for Research

- Your students will need time to research the issue. Make sure all of your students understand any specialized vocabulary so the efficacy of their arguments does not depend on simple comprehension.

4. Keep Track of Time

- First, the affirmative group receives two minutes to present their case to the audience. The negative group then receives two minutes to present their case. After both sides have a chance to speak, both teams receive two minutes to prepare a rebuttal and summary.

5. Make a Judgment

- Usually in debate, the winner is the one who has presented the strongest case. Weigh your own opinion as to who communicated clearly and refuted the opponent’s arguments best. As long as your students were able to communicate clearly, use good grammar, and have good pronunciation, the debate was a success, and their grades should reflect that success.