Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Language Functions

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The objectives stage is crucial to establish a clear foundation of what is expected to be achieved with the lesson. By defining specific objectives, the teacher guides both their preparation and the students' focus, ensuring that the content is explored effectively. In this case, the focus is on ensuring that students understand not only the theory behind language functions but also how to identify and apply these functions in varied contexts, thus reinforcing their critical and analytical skills.

Main Objectives:

1. Empower students to recognize and identify the five main language functions in different types of texts.

2. Develop the ability to analyze the application of language functions in real situations, promoting the understanding of communicative effectiveness.

Side Objectives:

1. Encourage active student participation through group discussions and analyses to deepen the understanding of language functions.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction aims to engage students directly with the content they studied earlier, allowing a smooth transition from individual study to practical application in the classroom. By presenting problem situations, the intent is for students to begin critically thinking about how language functions are applied in daily life, preparing them for deeper analyses. The contextualization seeks to show the relevance of the topic in everyday and professional situations, increasing interest and awareness of the importance of studying language functions.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine that you are in a work meeting where the boss needs to convey crucial information to all employees. How could he use language functions to ensure everyone clearly understands the message?

2. Think of a moment when you needed to convince your friends to participate in an activity they were not very interested in. What language functions did you use to persuade them and how did that affect their decision?

Contextualization

Language functions are present in all forms of communication, from a simple conversation to a complex international negotiation. Knowing how to identify and use these functions effectively can be crucial for success in various areas of life, such as in careers, personal relationships, and education. Moreover, often, the unconscious use of these functions can lead to misunderstandings, making the in-depth study of them even more interesting and relevant.

Development

Duration: (70 - 75 minutes)

The development phase is designed to allow students to apply their previous knowledge about language functions in a practical and interactive manner. By working in groups, they are encouraged to collaborate, discuss, and create, which not only reinforces content understanding but also develops communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Each proposed activity aims to simulate real situations of language function use, ensuring meaningful and contextualized learning.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - The Language Party

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Apply knowledge about language functions in a practical and creative way, developing planning and presentation skills.

- Description: In this activity, students will design and organize a themed party where each element of the party (invitation, decoration, music, food, entertainment) must be planned and executed considering one of the language functions (phatic, conative, metalinguistic, emotive, and referential).

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group chooses one of the language functions to be the theme of their party.

• Groups must plan all the elements of the party (invitation, decoration, music, food, entertainment) considering the chosen language function.

• After planning, each group presents their party to the class, explaining how each chosen element reflects the applied language function.

• Conduct a vote among the groups to choose the party that best creatively and coherently applied the language function.

Activity 2 - The Everyday Journalist

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Practice the use of language functions in public communication situations, developing argumentation and verbal fluency skills.

- Description: Students, in groups, will act as journalists in a fictional press conference. Each group will represent a different role (celebrity, politician, scientist, etc.) and must use the language functions to answer questions from the 'press' (other groups).

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 students, each representing a specific role (celebrity, politician, scientist, etc.).

• Groups are given time to prepare responses, using a specific language function for each one.

• Conduct the press conference, where each group will ask questions and answer them with the designated language function.

• At the end, each group evaluates the performance of others, highlighting the use of language functions.

• Class discussion about the importance of language functions in effective communication.

Activity 3 - Functions Drama

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore language functions through dramatic art, promoting a deeper and visual understanding of them.

- Description: In this theatrical activity, groups will create and present a short play that clearly demonstrates one or more language functions. The play must be short and creative, exploring the use of language functions in a clear and innovative way.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group chooses one or more language functions to focus on in their play.

• Groups write and rehearse a short play that clearly demonstrates the chosen language function.

• Present the plays to the class, followed by a brief discussion on how the language functions were applied.

• Conduct a vote among the groups to choose the most creative play that best demonstrated the language function.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This stage of the lesson plan aims to consolidate learning, allowing students to reflect on the practical application of language functions and discuss the different approaches and experiences of their peers. The group discussion helps reinforce acquired knowledge, promotes a deeper understanding of the theme, and develops argumentation and critical thinking skills. Additionally, it provides a space for students to evaluate their own learning and that of their peers, which is essential for the process of self-assessment and continuous improvement.

Group Discussion

To begin the group discussion, the teacher can ask each group to share the main discoveries and challenges faced during the activities. A round of brief presentations can start, where each group shares what surprised them the most or what they found most difficult when applying language functions in such diverse contexts. Then, the discussion opens for students to comment and ask questions about the work of other groups, promoting an exchange of ideas and reflections.

Key Questions

1. Which language function did you find most challenging to represent and why?

2. How can knowledge about language functions help in real communication situations?

3. Was there any situation during the activities where you noticed inadequate or confusing use of language functions? How was that corrected?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The conclusion stage is fundamental to solidify learning, allowing students to review and reaffirm the content learned during the lesson. Additionally, it serves to highlight the practical applicability of the acquired knowledge, linking theory with practice and showing the importance of language functions in everyday life. This recap helps students strengthen their understanding and perceive the usefulness of what they learned, preparing them for future applications of the knowledge in their lives.

Summary

In the conclusion of the lesson, the teacher should summarize the key points discussed about the language functions, reiterating the definitions and examples discussed. It is important to recap the five functions: phatic, conative, metalinguistic, emotive, and referential, and how each of them applies in different communication contexts.

Theory Connection

During the lesson, the connection between the previously studied theory and practice was clearly demonstrated. The activities carried out, such as organizing the themed party, the press conference, and the drama, allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated situations, reinforcing the understanding and importance of language functions in daily life.

Closing

Finally, it is essential to emphasize the relevance of language functions in everyday life. Understanding how they operate helps not only in interpreting texts and speeches but also in improving one's own communication, increasing effectiveness in message transmission and social interaction. This knowledge is crucial in various spheres of life, from the academic environment to professional and personal contexts.