60 second ideas

This activity is based on the BBC radio show "60 second idea to change the world", which features on the Forum from the BBC World Service. It is a speaking activity, which can also include listening and writing apects, and it is a good way to develop discourse management and oral fluency skills, as well as to practise the long turn and discussion parts of Cambridge oral exams. The main concept of the activity is for students to present an idea that they believe would change the world (for the better) to a group/class within the time limit oif 60 seconds. This format cultivates very concise discourse as the essence of an often complicated idea must be conveyed in a short amount of time, and it is also motivating because of the personalized aspect.

Preparation
The teacher will need to download three "60 second idea to change the world" podcasts from the BBC World Service, and should prepare a handout with comprehension tasks (see example below).

Procedure

 * 1) Tell the students they are to listen to a short podcast and that they are going to do an activity based on the format.
 * 2) As a gist comprehension task, tell students to think of a title for the podcast as a whole and play the first.
 * 3) Get feedback on their ideas and then reveal the true name.
 * 4) Play the same podcast again, instructing students to note down the three sections of the podcast.
 * 5) Conduct class feedback and board the sections: the introduction, the 60 second idea and the short discussion afterwards.
 * 6) To introduce the specific information listening task, ask students to copy the following table down:


 * 7. Students then listen to the three podcasts, noting down the speaker`s idea and inserting a number from 1 to 5 reflecting their own opinion of the idea presented - zero being a poor idea and five an excellent concept.
 * 8. Pairs compare their answers, discuss their responses and then feedback to class.
 * 9. The teacher then explains that the class is to role play the show, and that each student will have to present their own idea in 60 seconds.
 * 10. Students then brainstorm ideas (in pairs or individually) to change the world and choose one.
 * 11. For homework, students prepare and rehearse their speech, writing notes or prompts if necessary but not a monologue to read out.
 * 12. In the/a subsequent class the students rehearse their 60 second speeches in pairs; the partner should tim ethe speaker and coach them to improve their discourse management, delivery and clarity of speech. Meanwhile, the teacher goes round correcting errors and provides a supportive role.
 * 13. When everyone is ready, a student volunteers to host the show and the show is role-played, allowing a 5-10 minute discussion after each idea.
 * Note: The teacher should ensure that the host is an outgoing character, and s/he should be instructed to ask for opinions, provoke discussion, keep the show on track and also time the speeches.
 * 14. Once the show is over, the teacher conducts delayed error correction and elicits/gives feedback on any skills which are strong/lacking within the class e.g. fluency, intonation, interactive communication etc.