Introduction
Learning from the media and communicating with people of different countries, we pick up a lot of stereotypes about other nations. In every country there are plenty of stereotypes about residents, some may be true but most of them are untrue and very wrongful. The issue of this webquest deals with stereotypes of some nations and what people around the world see as the stereotypes of them, but remember that it is all for fun. And what is most important - be respectful and unprejudiced.
Task
You can work in pairs or individually. Choose a nationality and at least 3 stereotypes related to it.
- Do on-line research and get the information about national characters and stereotypes,
- illustrate the results of your search with arguments, explanations and examples,
- make a 5-7 minute oral presentation of your findings and considerations in class next week on the 2nd of March.
Process
STEP 1
Surf the Net and answer the following questions:
1) What are the definitions of stereotype, national character and national stereotypes?
2) What are the main traits (true and stereotyped) of the national character you have chosen to explore?
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NationalStereotypes
http://www.buzzfeed.com/patricksmith/stereotypes-people-are-sick-of-hearing-about-their-countr
http://www.slip-of-the-tongue.com/travel/incorrect-european-national-stereotypes/
STEP 2
Use Word or PowerPoint to note down your findings, add your own ideas, illustrations etc.
STEP 3
Prepare an oral 5-7 min presentation of your topic. Please note that supplementary special effects such as drama elements, dressing up, telling jokes, etc. in your oral presentations are strongly encouraged.
Evaluation
Research and sharing of information
Finds and shares little or no pertinent information with other team members - 2
Finds and shares some pertinent information with other team members - 3
Finds and shares important information needed to accomplish the task - 4
Finds and shares a great deal of important information to accomplish the task, adding complementary details -5
Roles and responsibilities
Plays no role and assumes no or few of the responsibilities assigned to him or her - 2
Plays a limited role and assumes some of the responsibilities assigned to him or her - 3
Plays his or her role well and assumes most of the responsibilities assigned to him or her - 4
Plays his or her role to perfection and assumes all responsibilities assigned to him or her - 5
Time management and focus on task
Wastes his or her time and focuses very little on the task - 2
Does not make good use of time and is often distracted from the task - 3
Manages time well and generally focuses on the task - 4
Manages time very efficiently and focuses on the task - 5
Speaking manner
Poor contact with the audience, speaking is hard to follow, reading from the notes or slides - 2
Excellent, original manner of speaking - 5
Total: 20
Conclusion
This web quest incorporates the use of internet and computer programs like PowerPoint and Internet search engines, and is designed to broaden students` outlook, stimulate and develop their research, analytic abilities and competences through oral presentation skills.