Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)
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Develop specific vocabulary in English: This objective aims to enhance students' vocabulary, specifically regarding terms and phrases used to request clarifications. Students will be able to identify such terms and use them appropriately in different contexts.
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Understand and apply clarification request strategies: The objective here is for students to learn how to request clarifications effectively and appropriately in English. They will be able to recognize the different strategies used for this purpose and apply them correctly in communication situations.
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Gain confidence in English communication: This objective covers the development of students' confidence in English communication. By acquiring appropriate vocabulary and strategies to request clarifications, students will feel more secure when interacting in English.
Secondary Objectives:
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Promote active English practice: Throughout the lesson, students will be encouraged to actively participate in activities and discussions, which will promote language practice.
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Improve listening comprehension: Since the lesson will include listening activities, the objective is for students to improve their English listening comprehension skills.
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The teacher should start the lesson by establishing these Objectives, explaining the importance of each one and how they relate to the lesson's theme. This can be done through a brief discussion, asking students what they already know about the topic and what they expect to learn from the lesson. The teacher should then clarify any misunderstandings and ensure that all students are aligned with the lesson's Objectives.
Introduction (10 - 12 minutes)
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Review of previous content: The teacher should start the lesson by reminding students of concepts and vocabulary that have already been studied and that will be relevant to the lesson's topic. This may include grammatical structures, general vocabulary, and common expressions in English. For example, the use of modal verbs, such as 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', to make requests and solicitations politely. Additionally, it is important to review vocabulary related to communication situations, such as 'excuse me', 'I'm sorry', 'could you repeat that, please?'.
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Problem situations: The teacher can then present two problem situations to arouse students' interest:
- Situation 1: 'Imagine you are at an international conference and need to request clarifications about the schedule of an event. How would you do this in English?'
- Situation 2: 'Suppose you are watching a movie in English and do not understand an expression used by one of the characters. What would you say to request clarifications?'
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Contextualization: The teacher should explain the importance of the topic, showing how the ability to request clarifications clearly and effectively is crucial not only in academic situations but also in professional and social contexts. Real-life examples can be mentioned, such as business meetings, job interviews, international travels, where this skill is essential.
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Capturing students' attention: To make the topic more interesting, the teacher can present curiosities or facts related to the theme. For example, it can be mentioned that the ability to request clarifications is highly valued in many cultures, as it demonstrates an attitude of openness, curiosity, and respect. Additionally, it can be shared that, according to research, one of the main barriers to effective communication in English is the fear of not being understood, which can be overcome through the proper use of clarification request strategies.
The teacher should conclude the Introduction by emphasizing the relevance of the topic and encouraging students to actively engage in the lesson.
Development (20 - 25 minutes)
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Role-Playing Activity: Simulating Real Communication Situations (10 - 12 minutes)
- The teacher should divide the class into groups of three or four students.
- Each group will receive a communication situation in English. For example, one group may receive the situation of being in a store and needing to request clarifications about the price of a product. Another group may receive the situation of being in a foreign university and needing to ask a professor to explain a concept again in a class.
- Students will have to create a short dialogue, using the vocabulary and strategies learned in the lesson, to represent the situation. They can practice the dialogue in their groups before presenting it to the class.
- Each group will present their dialogue to the class. After the presentation, the teacher and other students will provide feedback, highlighting what was done well and offering suggestions for improvements.
- This activity allows students to apply what they have learned in a practical and interactive way, simulating real communication situations. Additionally, it promotes collaboration and teamwork, as students will have to discuss and decide together how to approach the situation.
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Listening and Comprehension Activity (5 - 7 minutes)
- The teacher should prepare in advance some short audios (about 1 minute each) of native English speakers, including moments where clarification requests are necessary.
- The teacher will play one of the audios for the class. Students will have to listen carefully and try to identify the moments when the speaker requests clarifications. They will also have to try to guess which clarification request strategy was used.
- After the first listening, the teacher will replay the audio and students can take notes. Then, they will have to share their observations with the class. The teacher will provide feedback and clarify any doubts.
- This activity helps students improve their English listening comprehension, as well as identify and understand the use of clarification request strategies in real contexts.
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Board Game Activity: Requesting Clarifications (5 - 6 minutes)
- The teacher should prepare a simple board game, where each space represents a situation where clarification requests are necessary. For example, a space may represent the situation of being in a restaurant and needing to ask the waiter to repeat the daily special.
- Students will be divided into groups and each group will receive a marker. They will roll the dice and move their marker on the board. When they land on a space, they will have to create a sentence or question to request clarifications in the situation represented by the space.
- The teacher and other groups will provide feedback and correct grammar or vocabulary, if necessary. The group that manages to reach the end of the board first, or that is closest to the end when time is up, will be the winner.
- This activity, besides being fun, allows students to practice requesting clarifications in a playful and contextualized way.
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Group Discussion: Reflection on the Activities (2 - 3 minutes)
- After the conclusion of the activities, the teacher should lead a brief group discussion, asking students to reflect on what they have learned and how the activities helped them understand and apply clarification request strategies.
- The teacher should ask questions that encourage students to think critically and relate theory to practice. For example: 'What was the most useful clarification request strategy you learned today?' or 'How do you think these strategies can be applied in other English communication situations?'
- This discussion will allow the teacher to assess students' progress and identify any areas that still need reinforcement. Additionally, it will help students consolidate their learning and feel more confident in their clarification request skills in English.
Return (8 - 10 minutes)
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Group Discussion: Reflection on Activities and Practical Application (3 - 4 minutes)
- The teacher should start a group discussion, asking students to share their reflections on the activities carried out. This is an opportunity for students to express their opinions, clarify remaining doubts, and reflect on how what they have learned can be applied in real English communication situations.
- The teacher can ask questions like: 'Which clarification request strategy did you find most useful? Why?' or 'Can you think of other situations where the clarification request strategies we learned could be applied?'.
- This discussion will help consolidate students' learning, allowing them to reflect on what they have learned and how they can use this knowledge to improve their communication skills in English.
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Connecting the Lesson to Practice (2 - 3 minutes)
- The teacher should explain how the lesson connects to real practice. This can be done by discussing practical examples, such as everyday communication situations where requesting clarifications in English is necessary.
- The teacher can also share personal or professional experiences, highlighting how the ability to request clarifications clearly and effectively in English can be valuable and useful.
- This step will help students see the practical value of what they have learned, encouraging them to apply their new skills in their daily interactions in English.
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Review of Learned Concepts (2 - 3 minutes)
- The teacher should quickly review the main concepts and vocabulary learned in the lesson. This can be done through a brief discussion, where the teacher asks questions and students respond, or through a quick question-and-answer game.
- This review will help reinforce students' learning, allowing them to solidify the concepts in their minds and clarify any doubts they may have.
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Individual Reflection (1 minute)
- Finally, the teacher should suggest that students make a quick individual reflection on the lesson. This can be done through questions like: 'What was the most important concept you learned today?' and 'What questions have not been answered yet?'.
- This step will allow students to internalize what they have learned, identify any areas they do not fully master yet, and feel more confident in their clarification request skills in English.
At the end of the Return, the teacher should conclude the lesson, reinforcing the importance of the topic studied and encouraging students to continue practicing and improving their clarification request skills in English. The teacher should also remind students that he is always available to clarify any doubts they may have and to provide additional guidance, if necessary.