Dr. Florianne Koechlin: Do tomatoes speak?

Level:upper 

Procedure: Students reflect on questions. The video (14 min) contains the insights of Dr. Koechlin in relation to plant dignity. 

Vocabulary:

You are going to hear the following words. You may want to know what they mean.
Names of insects: Carterpillar, parasitic wasp, spider mites, winter moth.
Flowers/plants: marigolds , birch tree.
Tits = Small bird (tit bird)
Scent = smell (pay attention to pronunciation)
Mycorrhiza =A mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a green plant and a fungus

Before watching

Reflect on these questions 

• Can plants communicate? 

• Can a  scent/odor smell nasty to a plant?

• Can plants network?

• Do you know what the 5 human senses? Sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste 

• Do plants know about their past? 

Watch the video to compare your answers and Dr. Koechlin’s

Questions:

1. What does Dr.  Florianne Koechlin call a feat of communication?

2. What are some of the actions that plants can carry out?

3. Why is mycorrhiza important?

4. What is the proof that a tomato plant can learn from experience?

5. What is a plant, according to the speaker Dr. Koechlin?

6. What are the consequences of seeing the plant as a SHE?

7. Why does the comparison between animal and plant make sense?

8. What did the committee that discussed plant dignity agree on?

What prize did the committee receive for their research?

9.What examples are given on plant mistreatment?
 

To finish:

Has this talk changed the way you see plants? Justify your answer

To see the KEY or download the video, click HERE

Amazing Street Art : 15 artists

Level:  Advanced.  Particularly geared towards Art Students 
Video length: 21 minutes
Timing for full task: 1 hour 45 minutes. 
As the task has 15 sections you can adapt the length of the task to your needs 
Procedure: 

1. You are going to watch a video that features 15 famous street artists' work.You will hear these words in the video. Make sure you know what they mean.

Suffer a bad rap, Push the boundaries of, To be forged by, To be coy about, A myriad of emotions, Overlapping, Layers, Snarling wolf (dog), Bystander, Mundane, Whimsical, 
Electric meeters, Devious, Sewer drains, To crack a smile, Hold on to your hat ( An expression warning someone of a big surprise), Rubble, To be awash with (full), A quote ( pay attention to the meaning of this word in this video: David Bowie part), Cut-outs, Lurking, Blazing, To see a surge

Remember that using sophisticated vocabulary in your composition is a must. You may introduce some of these words in your future essays. 

2. Read the questions before you listen to the different sections. 

Concrete Canvas: Gregor Wosik.  

1. Use your own words to explain what “Optical Illusion” and “Concrete Canvas” are

2.  Who inspired Grogo Wosik? 

Sean Yoro: Tidal murals

3. What are tidal murals?

4. What is Sean Yoro aim? 

Stathis Tsavalias. Insane 51 Hidden Art

5. How does this artist create an optical 3D illusionary effect? 

6. .What is this method called? 

7. What does the bystander see? 

Tom Bob’s Reinventions

8. For Tom Bob nothing is useless. What type of elements does this artist choose to work with? 

9. According to the voice-over, What is the most common reaction to Tomb Bob artwork?

Ray Media Jaens. Dia de los muertos 

 10. What is the main material used to create this Dia de lo Muertos sculpture? 

M- Cities Kharkiv Mural 

         11.What are the objectives of Kharkiv murals?  

12.What events are shaping Ukraine’s modern society?  

Bowie Portrait 

13.What was the objective of these subway art pieces? 

14. What did the exhibition include, apart from realistic pictures?

Roa’s trapped creatures

15. What are the adjectives uses to describe Roa’s art?

Cosimo Cheone Lurking Giants 

16.What does  Cheone’s work suggest?  

WD  street art activism 

17. What is the objective of this art? 

The living wall by  Nikita Nomerz

18. What does Nikita Nomertz use to create his art? 

JCro’sMurals

19.What famous brand has JCro’s worked for? 

20.What is the range of JCro’s work? 

21.What is the only shape JCro’s uses in his work? 

Leo Keer’s Augmented reality

22.What feature distinguishes Leo Keer’s mural from other artists works?  T

Adam Fu’s Glow style 

23. What type of paint does Adam Fu use? 

24. What is the metaphor behind Adam Fu’s work? What does he use his work for? 

Johan Karlgren’s Suprise art

25. How do Kagreen’s colors interact with the palette of the Swedish cities? 

26. What is your favorite? Justify your reason 

Use the key to correct your answers: HERE 

If  the link/embedded video  is broken, please download the video file HERE

Introduction:

Everywhere you look, there’s a work of art to catch your eye. Whether we’re basking in the glory of Mother Nature, or standing awestruck at the metropolitan monoliths of modernity with some of the craziest installations in human history--the artist’s canvas has certainly shifted through the ages. Historically, street art has suffered a bad rap, particularly in the early days of Hip Hop and Graffiti, but now--both spray paint and latex are pushing the boundaries of the creative medium. From Optical Illusions to Moving Mannequins, here’s 15 Amazing Street Art That Is At Another Level

What can we do for climate change. The role of individual and collective actions.

 Climate change is a recurrent topic in the examination to access university( Selectivitat) 

Level: Upper

Procedure: Listen AND read a lecture on climate change.

The lecture deals with the evil of thinking there is an irreconcilable opposition between individual and collective actions and how this misconception (individual Vs Collective) has been used by corporations to continue making money while polluting the environment. 

The task: 

Use the comment section of the blog  (remember to sign with your name) to:

• Write 3 of 4 sentences that are key in the text. Explain why you think they are important. Indicate if you agree, you don’t agree or you think they need to be explained further. 

• Share new words or expressions that you have learned and that you think might be useful for future essays. 

Click HERE to download the video and the script 

Pleasure is not happiness. Talk by Robert Lustig

Level: Upper intermediate or higher 

Procedure: students read the questions and watch the video

Video length: 4 min 28 seconds

Vocabulary: 

• Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness
• Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter. Your body makes it, and your nervous system uses it to send messages between nerve cells. That's why it's sometimes called a chemical messenger. Dopamine plays a role in how we feel pleasure

If you want to download the video  or the KEY to the questions, please click HERE

Questions:

According to Dr. Lustig, pleasure and happiness cannot be equated.

1. What are the 7 differences between pleasure and happiness?

2. Can you summarize the impact of dopamine and serotonin in the human brain?
3. What are the locations Dr. Lustic mentions as places where dopamine is king? Do you know what these places represent?
4. Why did Dr. Lustic write this book?

The video 

A day in the life of a Tour Rep

Julia is a Tour Rep for TUI. Watch the video to see  what her job entails.
Timing: 30 minutes
Level: intermediate.
Video length: 4 minutes 20 seconds  
Materials:  

• Video 
• Questions

You may project the questions on board or  distribute photocopies. See link to photocopiable version below.
Watch the video or download it from provided link below.



To download the video or /and photocopiable question sheet and key  , click HERE 

A day in the life of a TUI rep. Questions.

1. What’s Julia’s mission?
2. What time does she start her work?
3. How many hotels is she responsible for today?
4. What time does she arrive at her first hotel?
5. What does she have to do there?
6. What kind of clients does she have to deal with?
7. She has to be very …………... and ……………….. with the clients
8. Where does she go at 12 h, after having taken care of guests?
9. Why does she go there?
10.Where does she go at 12h;30? What does she do there?
11. What time is her lunch break, and what does she do then?
12.Why does Julia like her work?
13.What is the name of the third hotel?
14.What time does she finish work?

KEY: A day in the life of a TUI rep 

1. What’s Julia’s mission? make people smile

2. What time does she start her work? 8:30 

3. How many hotels is she responsible for today? 3 

4. What time does she arrive at her first hotel? 9:00 

5. What does she have to do there? briefing sessions: excursions , travel tips, doctors, delays, answer all kind of questions

6.What kind of clients does she have to deal with? sweet little families, dynamic
freshly in love couples, retired people who have not had a proper holiday for a long time
7. She has to be very flexible …………... and empathise ……………….. with the clients (be a crisis manager, shoulder to cry on, activity organizer, best friend )
8. Where does she go at 12 h, after having taken care of guests? Tour information center in Palma.
9.Why does she go there? it is the staging area for reps, they find all the information they need: Departure lists, special requests.Everything she needs to check and deal with throughout the day.
10. Where does she go at 12h;30? to another hotel What does she do there? her welcome session again
11. What time is her lunch break, and what does she do then? 1 o’clock . She goes to the beach
12. Why does Julia like her work? love of travel, sun, sand and sea. Working with people to be a carer , contact , first person on scene if something happens. Make a difference to people’s holidays/excursions
13. What is the name of the third hotel? Obelisco
14. What time does she finish work? 7:30

10 Travel Trends on the Rise in 2018

Ten Travel Trends on the Rise (2018)
Level: Intermediate and upper
Material: projector and sound . Video: you may watch video from youtoube or download it from provided link nextl

Click HERE to download the video.
Time: 30 min.
Procedure:

•  Ask students  about current travel trends. 
• Tell students they are about to watch a video about travel trends in the year 2018. 
• Students  should:  compare their answers and the video's/ answer the questions below.

Note there is some teacher's help after the questions and video.

10 Travel Trends  on the Rise 2018:  Questions 

1. According to the video, what are today's reason for travelling?
2.What were the trends on the rise in 2018?  Mention examples of every trend. 

3. Are these trends still on the rise today? Can you think of other current trends on the rise?

                           

TEACHERS' HELP

1. According to the video, what are today's reason for travelling?

Learn history  lessons, to see if the indian Ocean is really really that blue, pocket friendly trips.

2. What were the trends on the rise in 2018?

1. Solo traveling. Solo trekking, many women look for the opportunity to embrace new cultures, discover how indepent they’re.

2. Multigenerational travel: cooking classes, extended family vacation.

3. Double destinations: fit as much as you can in your trip. Many destination in one go. Madrid/Athens.

4. Glamping.Explore wonders of mother nature but not sleeping on the floor.

5. Heritage travel. Identify your roots.

6. National Parks. Nature related travel. Jaw- dropping scenery.

7. Train travel. Forget the sky. Travel at a lower pace.

8. Booking online: book a sun drenched studio, a train ticket.

9. Adventure travel: more heart pounding activities . Sharks, Amazonia, (off the beaten path)

10. Wine destination: Northern California, Argentina, South africa.

What's Reverse Logistics?

Procedure: 

•  students read a text about what Reverse Logistics involve.
• students read some questions about reverse logistics and watch a short video on the topic
• students write their own definition of logistics  

 Download the materials from this link: Download questions,  video and transcrip from my site


Materials created by Joan Minguell and Maria Zabala Peña

If you cannot see the video below because of need of plug ins, you may download it (see above) or access the  link to the YOUTUBE page: HERE

 

 

Etiquette for Answering Phone Calls. Pitch, Tone and Inflection.

Aim: students understand the importance of pitch, tone and inflection when answering phone calls.
Procedure: 
Students read the questions in the handout
Students answer the questions while/after watching the video
Materials:

• Lady in Red video on pitch, tone and inflection (available on  youtube or download from link below) 
• Handout for students
• Key  to tasks/instructions (if needed) 

Download the materials  HERE 

A History of Ideas. BBC Animations/Clips

Questions for The 4 truths of Buddhism

Aim: students read,  and listen to short animations about history of ideas. Students use this information  in order to prepare a task.
Level: high
Length of animations: 2 to 3 minutes
Subjects: various: Freud, justice,  Locke, Adam Smith and Economy, What is a human being,  Plato... you name it.





Source of animations: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3vVjcY47k2p5Wsnj3ZFHV5W/a-history-of-ideas 

Procedure: 
Teachers:

• activate student's previous knowledge on the subject by asking questions
• OR: I am preparing  some pre-while watching questions for some of the videos. As I prepare them I will post them here for free download. 

Optional : This is the list of tasks I have prepared

• Buddhism: The 4 Noble Truths: Find task HERE
• The idea of cultural transmission. Find the task HERE
• Free will defense. God vs Evil HERE

Students

• watch the video
• prepare a task: summary, extension, paraphrasing, show and tell...

Click HERE to access BBC animations online

You may find some of these animations in YOUTUBE: See some samples below.

FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS   (See tasks above)

THE IDEA OF CULTURAL TRANSMISSION
(See tasks above)

The Free Will Defence: A Good God Vs. The Existence of Evil (See tasks above) 

Airport transfer

Work in progress 
Aim:   Students produce and rehearse an airport transfer.
Level : Intermiediate to upper.  Lower level students can read the transcript of the video before watching/dicussing the video
Procudure:
Students:

• listen  to two airport transfers (arrival and departure). 
• read the transcript  (if necessary)
• discuss the content of the video,  body language and speed of the speech. 
• prepare/rehearse their transfer.
• perform their transfer in front of the class or in groups .

These videos have been obtained for YOUTUBE
If you want to download the script or videos , please click HERE

Arrival. From the airport to the hotel 
Length: 2 minutes 

Source: Youtube : https://youtu.be/sTh0bTCqB2M

Departure: From the hotel to the airport 
Length: 2 minutes  

Source: Youtube :  https://youtu.be/vqvfJKq_sEk

If you want to download the script or videos , please click HERE

Autonomous Learning: Video and tasks for teens and adults by the British Council

Aim: this British Council site contains videos with pre-watching and post watching tasks for teenagers but most of the topics should appeal to adults too.

Click HERE to access the British Council videos for teens page. 

Level: the level of the tasks are indicated under each video. Most I have seen are B1 or B2 but check for other levels.

This site belongs to the British Council

Topics: there is a very wide range of topics, from food, tourism and street art to homes of the future and European integration.
Procedure: Videos come with:

• on line self corrective pre-watching and post watching tasks.
• a printable version of the same  tasks that the teacher may bring to class. The t

These tasks could be carried out:

• by the students on their own.
• in class by projecting the on-line tasks on the White Board.
• in class, with the help of the teacher by distributing a photocopiable version of the tasks.

Click HERE to access the British Council videos for teens page 

Professional Phone Etiquette : Taking Good Phone Messages

Original video source: E-how: http://www.ehow.com/video_4401591_taking-good-phone-messages.html
On Youtube; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00m1mQFF5zo
 
Aim and procedure: students listen to the famous lady in red as she advices on how to take a message.
I have posted the question under the video.

You can download both the video and a photocopiable worksheet with questions by clicling  HERE





Questions:
1. If you answer the telephone for another person or you have to take a message, what information do you have to get?

2. The information you get must be ……………………..

3. How do you ensure that you get the information correctly?

4. According to the lady in red, what else is very important when taking messages?

5. What is the sentence you can use to finish the conversation when taking a message?

Video Transcript
Alright, now let's talk about taking messages. And your whole job might be about taking messages, or you might just simply answer the phone for another person, and you'll need to take a message for them. It is absolutely crucial that you get a certain amount of information from the person on the other end of the phone. And the information must be accurate. You need to have their name, the business that they're calling from, if that's applicable, the telephone number, and a brief message. Now, I said it is crucial that this information be accurate. Well, how do you make sure it's accurate? You repeat it. "Okay, this is John Smith from XYZ Corporation, and your phone number is 872-939-4086, and you want to talk to Bob about the planning meeting on Friday. Okay, great. I'll make sure that he gets the message." And then, you have to make sure that that person gets the message. It's very, very important that business messages not get dropped through the cracks. So take accurate information and pass the message on, immediately, not three days later, but immediately after you record the message.

Factory tasks and vocabulary with a fun angle. Extension: Betty Botter Tongue Twister

This ad belongs to a series created by Anchor dairy. The slogan  of the campaign is “Made by Cows”, which advertisers take in a literal sense.

The spot provides a light-hearted look at butter production. Animals  are  making butter in a human fashion.

To download the materials, click the linkS below.

Aim 1: students watch a "fun" video of workers (cows actually) working at a factory.
Aim 2: extension. Students practice pronunciation by reading a buttery tongue twister NEW!!

Suggested procedure:

•  Elicit vocabulary related to factory tasks before watching the video. 
•  Students watch the video and describe the processes/write down the process. 

Sample language:
Cows cross the gate while supervised by the factory guard, who is at the lodge.
Cows clock on/ clock in.
Cow with white helmet pushes a lever and sets machine to work.


You can download the materials for the Ad  by clicking HERE

You can download the materials for the EXTENSION  by clicking HERE


Materials for the AD:

• The commercial:  You can watch the video online or donwload it to your USB.
• Teacher's help:  You can download the sequence of actions I have written to help you remember what the cows are doing throughout the ad.  

You can download the materials for the Ad by clicking HERE

Thanks to Stephanie Williams, speaker at the 2012 British Council Conference in Barcelona, for providing me with this idea.    


EXTENSION:  Aim: students have fun while listening and reading the Betty Botter bought some butter tongue twister

Click  HERE  to download the materials for the Extension

 Materials for the Extension : 

• The Better Botter tongue twister (you can just project it on the whiteboard)
• Teachers instructions
• Internet access if you want students to listen to the words using the Howjsay page or use the Teleprompter.Remember that you  should download the videos to your memory stick  from the link I provide.Do this if your school connection is not reliable or internet access to youtube is limited due to school policies.

Find below a summary of the instructions. Click HERE   if you want to download the materials for this extension. You can also download the videos from the link I provide. This is the tongue twister:

 

Suggested procedure.

Pre-reading tasks

A) Key words

If you are not a native speaker you may want your students to hear the similar sounding sounds by using the Howjsay page by clicking HERE and introducing the words:

Bitter, butter, batter, better,

You may want your students to be aware of the different IPA symbols:

 Bitter                  butter,          batter,             better,

  bɪtə                  bʌtə              ˈbætə             ˈbetə 

Go HERE if you need to transcribe any other words  

B) Model the pronunciation.

You may want to use this video for modelling the pronunciation. This teacher of English reads the poem several times at different speeds. I suggest you stop after the second  reading. 

Remember that if your connection is not reliable, you can download the videos by clicking HERE  

 

C) Students  practice the pronunciation in pairs

D) Students listen to a rap song based on this children's tongue twister . This song has been adapted by an English teacher called Henry III.

Allow the students to listen to the song. Student should join in in second 0:59, just after the singer says 'll get on with it.

If you wan to see the lyrics of the full song, remember that all materials for the Extension  are available by clicking  HERE

MORE POSSIBILITIES!!
Remember that  by using a teleprompter you can copy and paste any text so that the students read it at the speed you want them to!!
You may use this teleprompter  HERE



Thanks to Christine Wilson, our teacher trainier at the British Council 2013 workshop for providing me with this idea.