Page 76 - Beyond Methods

64 Maximizing learning opportunities
3.1.2 Divide your class into small groups, preferably not more than five students in each. Ask each group to select a particular student ser- vice, and then go to these centers, either individually or in groups, and collect informative bulletins, brochures, and leaflets. In educational settings where no such centers or offices exist, ask the students to find out for themselves where to go to get information about noninstruc- tional services.
3.1.3 Have each group read the printed materials in class and make a list of interview questions to ask officials in those centers in order to seek additional information about the services that interest them. If no printed materials are available, ask the students to make a list of ques- tions they would like to have answered.
3.1.4 Have students in each group go to the designated service cen- ter and request an appointment to interview an officer there for addi- tional details about the services offered. Ask them to take notes from the conversation.
3.1.5 In class, have each group present a report about a particular service center, combining the information in the printed materials with notes from interviews with the official at that center. Conclude with a question-and-answer session. Also, ask them what kind of linguistic or communicative difficulties they encountered, and try to address those difficulties.
3.1.6 Focus on one of the student services, preferably student asso- ciations. In most colleges and schools, student associations are forever asking for members and volunteers to help with ongoing activities. Ask your students whether they would be interested in doing some volun- teer work either for the student association or for any other on-campus agency that interests them. Have them state why they would or would not like to participate.
3.1.7 Find out from your students whether they are willing to invite an officer from the student association they researched (or, depending on student preference, from any other student service) to visit the class and give a structured, informational talk on what the student associa- tion does and how it benefits the student community. Encourage dis- cussion and negotiation among the students in order to come to a con- sensus on the choice of topic/person.
3.1.8 On the appointed day, ask the students to listen to the guest lec- turer and to take notes. If the speaker permits (most will because of the promotional nature of the talk), videotape (or, if the resources are not available, audiotape) the talk. After the lecture, encourage the students to ask questions.