Class Information: The class is made up of ten (10) students; 3 girls and 7 boys. Nationalities include: Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai.

Communication skills are generally good, particularly in speaking and writing. Some problems may arise in listening and reading comprehension, especially for Student E and the new student, Student A, who is still struggling to express ideas in speech.

Energy level is good also and the group has a sense of team work and support.

Possible problems: Discussions could be monopolized by a couple of students, student A and student B who are more verbal than the other students, so care is to be taken so that each student gets a chance to express ideas.

General Aims of the Lesson:
Teacher-Oriented:

• To facilitate better understanding and generate interest on the topic of “Settlements” through discussions with peers.
• To practice reading for details and for gist from texts assigned to groups.
• To promote group cooperation.
• To practice speaking and listening skills through group discussions.

Student-Oriented:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Use previously learned vocabulary to discuss ideas related to the topic on “Settlements”.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the problems that come about due to the growth and development of settlements as shown in their written group in-class assignment.
• Verbalize some suggestions they have come up with to prevent or stop the problems they discussed in their small groups.

Activities
Review:
Time: 5 min.

• review on previously learned vocabulary as well as important details about the previous sub-topics:

Vocabulary:
rural conurbation
urban decline

Details: Ask students:

What influenced people’s choice as to where to begin settlements in the old days? In the modern days?
What are the common types of settlements?

Pre-reporting task:
Time: 5 min.

• Ask students what they think are the major problems that come about due to the growth of settlements, cities in particular.
• How will these problems affect their families?

• Remind students to take notes during the report. Afterwards, they will get together in small groups to discuss and write answers to the following:

What are the major problems? Name at least 3.
What can you do to prevent/stop them?

Reporting:
Time: 15-20 min.

• Student C, Student D and Student E report on the “Problems that Come About to the Growth and Settlements”
• Other students give 3 comments to praise the group’s effort after the report. They can also ask questions.

Post-Reporting:
Time: 8-10 min.

• discuss and answer the questions on a piece of paper.
• If there is time, discuss with the whole class what solutions they have come up with.

Homework:

What are the major characteristics of a city?
“Characteristics” – things that help you identify or know that a place is a city.

Assessment:

In-class group assignment on the major problems and the possible solutions

Refer to rubric on group report

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