EDPUZZLE


STUPID LAWS

Objectives:

  • to use authentic materials: this means written or spoken texts to be used by native speakers and not adapted (we will adapt it for our needs using EDPUZZLE)/ Give a reason for your choice of video

In class we have been studying some modal verbs, among them must for obligation and mustn’t for prohibitions. Therefore, we have been looking at regulations, rules and laws. My students always enjoy learning about some of the “dumb” laws that still exist in the USA. It’s something that captures their interest.This time I found different videos by English native speakers talking about this type of laws but around the world, so I used this authentic material to look at rules and how we use these modal verbs.

  • to plan effectively the focus of the tasks and learning process step-by-step (pre, during and post tasks) / explain briefly the learning objectives for the session(s) and sequence of activities

The objective of the activity on Edpuzzle was to enhance the learning experience through the use of an interactive video that showed them the existence of rules and laws and apply their knowledge of modal verbs by formulating rules based on the video and then by themselves.

-      First, with examples of different rules at our school and in town we explained the use of must and mustn’t for obligation and prohibition.

-      Second, I explained and assigned the activity on Edpuzzle so they could identify different rules existing in different countries. At the same time, they had to listen for specific information. Done at home.

-      Third, in class we discussed the different laws that appeared in the video and commented on their answers to the questions.

-      Fourth, in pairs they had to come up with five stupid laws for our town. They shared these with the class.

-      Extension: In class we saw another video on stupid laws

 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzEWYUHi6ig 

This time they had to select another 5 laws that they found amusing.

  • make the experience significative and interactive (look for topics which are attractive and increase opportunities for oral communication) / highlight the high points of the experience: what went well and what did you and the students particularly enjoy about the task

This topic is always a winner because the students have a good time leaning about these dumb laws. They find them funny and amusing, so it’s very attractive for them. Everybody has something to say. When they are asked to create their own stupid laws, they get really communicative and creative. In the end they learn how to formulate rules in a fun way.

  • give a greater degree of autonomy to students (flipped learning) / explain if you flipped your class (or any part of it) and how, if so, this has helped you achieve the learning objectives

The activity on Edpuzzle supports the flipped classroom model by allowing students to engage with instructional content outside of the classroom. They can work at their own pace and watch the video as many times as needed. When they come to class, nobody gets lost because they could take their time to understand the information on the listening task. This enables class time to be used for collaborative activities, discussions, and deeper exploration of concepts.

  • suggest ways of improving next time

The activity went really well. I think the topic “stupid/weird laws” is the key. They just get a kick out of it. Even the most passive students seem interested and participate actively.

Next time though, I would incorporate discussion questions within the Edpuzzle platform. It gets too noisy in class when everybody wants to say something about a particular rule. That way I can have an opinion from everybody in a more orderly way.

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