Communicating-Lesson-Plan

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• English
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Functional Skills
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Speaking, Listening and Communicating: Communicating Effectively

Lesson Overview

Learning Objectives:

After this lesson students will be able to:

• Know how to communicate effectively

• Learn methods that help to communicate effectively

• Confidently apply this in the SLC exam

Specification points covered:

L2.5- Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and effectively, providing further detail and development if required.

How confident do you feel about presenting and talking in a group?

Starter-refresh from last week

On an a3 bit of paper draw 2 columns

How to adapt in conversation

What makes a good question

Try and get at least 5 for each column

Asking Questions

During your SLC exam, you will be expected to ask questions to the other group members based on information you have heard.

Do:

• Ask for information that may not have been considered before

• Ask a wide range of questions to find out other people’s opinions

• Be respectful and polite

• Ask for specific information that is relevant to the topic of conversation

Don’t:

• Ask for information that has already been given

• Only ask one or two questions

• Ask generic questions that do not request specific information

Adapting in Discussions

1. Audience: Who are you speaking to?

• In your exam, this will be the other people taking part.

  • Tip: speak clearly and use appropriate language that everyone can follow. Not everyone will know about your specific job/interests, so avoid using acronyms or extremely specialist vocabulary unless you define them clearly.

2. Purpose: Why are you speaking?

• One of your main goals is to express your ideas and share opinions.

  • Tip: stay on topic and make sure your contributions are relevant.

3. Medium: What setting are you in?

• Since this is an exam, it’s a formal situation.

  • Tip: use polite, respectful language and keep your tone professional.

How do you think we can communicate effectively in the SLC exam?

Communicating Effectively

Speaking confidently, clearly and in detail shows that you can communicate effectively.

You should also use language that is relevant to the topic when contributing in discussions and, if you need to, prepare a presentation.

For a presentation, you should:

• Not read directly from a word-for-word script - this will show reading skills, not speaking skills!

• Ensure that it has a clear structure that aligns with the exam instructions

• Expand on your ideas freely to develop them further

• Show that you are actively trying to keep your audience engaged

Tips for Communication

1. Avoid contributing one-word answers or undeveloped points.

2. Be active in discussions, and don’t wait for others to prompt you.

3. Be respectful, even if you do not agree with something.

4. Provide detailed points, but remain concise. This will allow others to have time to engage in conversations.

Responses

Another way to show that you can communicate effectively is through responses to questions. Developed answers can show extended opinions and ideas, which is a great way to communicate detail.

The next few slides will go over some different responses to the following question, starting with basic.

Question: ‘Why is it important to eat a balanced diet?’

Basic response: ‘Eating a balanced diet is important because it contributes to good health.’

Question: ‘Why is it important to eat a balanced diet?’

Basic response: ‘Eating a balanced diet is important because it contributes to good health.’

Why is that basic?

Although it is relevant, this response lacks depth. It doesn’t provide any detailed reasoning as to why it is important to eat a balanced diet, and is quite underdeveloped overall.

Responses

Now let’s look at another.

Question: ‘Why is it important to eat a balanced diet?’

Extended response: ‘Eating a balanced diet is crucial because it ensures that our bodies receive a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A balanced diet also helps prevent chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, contributing to a longer, healthier life.’

Question: ‘Why is it important to eat a balanced diet?’

Extended response: ‘Eating a balanced diet is crucial because it ensures that our bodies receive a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A balanced diet also helps prevent chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, contributing to a longer, healthier life.

Why is this a better answer?

This example is much better than the one on the previous slide, as it is detailed, relevant, and even provides facts to develop and support arguments made

Responses

Let’s look at a final one.

Question: ‘Why is it important to eat a balanced diet?’

Extended response 2: ‘Eating a balanced diet is vital for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Personally, I've noticed that when I prioritise a balanced diet, rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, I feel more energised and less prone to mood swings. This approach has helped me manage stress better and improve my overall quality of life.’

= This is another great example of an effective response. Here, the speaker has provided personal insights whilst remaining focused on what the question is asking, which is another way that an answer can be developed to move conversations forward.

Write a good quality extended response to this question

Why do young people always feel the needs to be on their phone?

Task

1-2 minute Mini presentations

On your laptops research anything you want and create a mini presentation-follow the discussion structure we used last week...

Introduction-introduce your topic

Main point- What you think of the topic, your reasoning ,include facts/opinions

Conclusion-summarise your presentation and QnA and discussion

You will then present yours to your groups (it wont be presented to the whole class) The audience will then ask 1-3 questions each about the topic

Exam-Style Question

1. Which contribution below is the most effective in response to this comment:

“I think we should choose an activity that the children would enjoy the most.”

a) “That’s quite a silly idea; it doesn’t actually matter because they are going to do them all at some point.”

b) "We could maybe even ask the children for their input, as it will help us understand what they do enjoy the most. Do you think a vote would help?"

c) “Painting is my personal preference, as it allows me to express myself creatively. I’m currently working on portraits which has been tricky, but fun.”

Q1 Answer

1. Which contribution below is the most effective in response to this comment:

“I think we should choose an activity that the children would enjoy the most.”

b) "We could maybe even ask the children for their input, as it will help us understand what they do enjoy the most. Do you think a vote would help?”

= This is a detailed and relevant response to the discussion comment. Although it does not directly fulfil the aim of choosing an activity, it does provide an alternative direction that would also help to reach a conclusion, and even moves the conversation forward through the use of a follow-up question at the end. The language used is appropriate, and the suggestion is put forward in a polite, respectful and concise way.

Exam-Style Question

2. Which option would be the most appropriate to use as notes for a presentation about sustainability and why?

a) “Good morning. My name is Rajesh Bhatti, and I am here today to talk about sustainability. Sustainability is a term that refers to meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It encompasses three main aspects: environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic development. These elements work together to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to living.”

b) - Introduce the topic

- Key concepts: environmental protection, social responsibility, economic development

- Environmental impact: Reduces pollution and waste, protects natural resources, mitigates climate change

- Social impact: promotes health and wellbeing, enhances quality of life

- Everyday actions: reduce, reuse, recycle. Save energy and water, use public transportation

Q2 Answer

2. Which option would be the most appropriate to use as notes for a presentation about sustainability and why?

b) - Introduce the topic

- Key concepts: environmental protection, social responsibility, economic development

- Environmental impact: Reduces pollution and waste, protects natural resources, mitigates climate change

- Social impact: promotes health and wellbeing, enhances quality of life

- Everyday actions: reduce, reuse, recycle. Save energy and water, use public transportation

= This is the right answer option, as the speaker uses short bullet points in order to prompt them, rather than a full script. Reading from a script does not show that you can communicate effectively, as you are relying on a heavily worded aid to help you.

Example: Good Discussion

Listen to the audio clip.

As you listen, try to identify:

• Opinions

• Evidence or reasoning used to support opinions

• Polite interjections

• When one person builds on the other’s ideas

• A relevant question

Make 6 columns for each one and write at least 1 point for each

Write two practices of good communication

Write 2 things you should NOT do when presenting a presentation.

How confident do you feel about presenting

Extension

To further practice our speaking and listening skills we our going to make a discussion for a chosen topic

Afterwards, in groups of 4 we our going to have a discussion about each of out topics, afterwards you will be given 5 minutes to come up with two questions each to ask.