Can Tolerance Be Taught?

This lesson plan consists of two modules -

Level: Upper Intermediate/Advanced

Skills objectives:

• to improve speaking skills by using video as a basis for discussion
• to practice both oral and aural skills through the exploitation and exploration of video

Video: NCIS, the fifth season, Disc 2 “Designated Target”

Values: assimilation (immigration issues), patriotism, honesty, justice, friendship, tolerance

Time needed: 90 minutes (approx)

Objectives:

• Show tolerance and compassion for the immigrants (underdogs)
• Appreciate differences
• Recognize how the words can hurt (heal)
• Distinguish the main facts from opinions
• Encourage Ss to think about the values which are the most important for them
• Take notes for specific (thematic) vocabulary
• Learn slang and situational language
• Practice common collocations
• Practice listening strategies for answering questions
• Learn and practice contracted forms and ellipsis (peculiarity of conversational usage)