Online shopping, illustrative stock photo. (source: Wilfredo Lee)
This exercise is prepared by the Leaf Academy. It is part of the Spectator College programme and it is linked to the articles: Reviews affect online buying and Shops don’t have to take back unwanted gifts.
CONTENT
EXERCISE 1: Reviews affect online buying
EXERCISE 2: Shops don’t have to take back unwanted gifts
Recommended Usage and Format for exercises
EXERCISE 1 linked to the article:Reviews affect online buying
Lesson Objectives
-Read text and demonstrate understanding (comprehension, analysis, connection, and transfer)
-Analyze position
-Respond to argument and work with evidence
1. Read article (15 minutes)
Underline any words you do not recognize or understand.
2. Understanding: (5 minutes)
Have each student share word(s) they don’t know and define them.
What is the difference between affect and effect?
3. Summarize/Monitor Understanding (5 minutes)
What are the most important factors that influence people’s decision to make online purchase? Refer to specific evidence in the text.
4. Focused Free Write: Choose one of the following prompts (5 minutes writing, 5 minute discussion)
Prompt: While the article doesn’t specifically reference the age, the context suggests that the people interviewed are adults. What are the most important factors that would influence you and other teenagers to make purchases online?
Uber is the largest taxi company and owns no taxis, Airbnb is the largest provider of rooms or accommodation yet owns no hotels. Explain whether or not you agree or disagree that the traditional brick and mortar store will become obsolete in your lifetime?
5. Discussion (10 minutes)
Find common views and dissenting views about online purchasing; generational differences in online purchasing and the future of the brick and mortar store.
EXERCISE 2 linked to the article:Shops don’t have to take back unwanted gifts
Lesson Objectives
-Read text and demonstrate understanding (comprehension, analysis, connection, and transfer)
-Analyze position
-Respond to argument and work with evidence
1. Read article (5 minutes)
Underline any words you do not recognize or understand.
2. Understanding: (5 minutes)
Have each student share word(s) they don’t know and define them.
3. Summarize/Monitor Understanding (10 minutes)
Explain the advantages the benefits (to the consumer) of purchasing goods online instead of in a traditional brick and mortar store. Why is there a difference?
4. Focused Free Write: (5 minutes writing, 5 minute discussion)
Prompt: In order to remain competitive with online stores, traditional brick and mortar stores should meet the same legal requirements of the Consumer Protection Act. Agree or disagree with this statement and explain why you disagree or agree.
5. Discussion (10 minutes)
Find common views and dissenting views about the role of the Consumer Protection Act and the difference between traditional and online purchasing.
Recommended Usage and Format for exercises
We believe a discussion-based format is best for achieving the learning objectives. We also believe that using the technique Writing as Thinking helps students to formulate their ideas and practice their writing in advance of the discussion. The degree of facilitator and adult involvement will vary according to student background and secondary objectives.
Writing
Model by being willing to write along with students and also to share your writing with the class.
Let them know before writing if they will be asked to share their writing out loud.
Here writing is first thoughts, so poor spelling, punctuation or conventions are not the focus.
Focus on engaging with ideas.
They do not need to apologize for the quality of their writing.
Discussion
Set expectations for active listening and body language
Engage introverts and extroverts, be mindful of dominant voices
Be mindful of how much you are speaking
Manage time
Encourage students to respond directly to each other, and not through the facilitator, using evidence- I agree with Igor’s point because…
Encourage everyone to draw from evidence in the text to support their points, avoid generalizations
Can you point to a line in the text…
Can you help me to understand…
Could you give an example…
Use techniques to encourage other voices
Let’s hear some other thoughts…
Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t contributed yet...
Techniques for managing time/discussion
Put this in the parking lot and move on…
Let’s pause here…
Parts of the lesson
Focused Free Write- an opportunity for students to write freely, but about a specific prompt.
Reflection- an opportunity to think about the lesson, what they have learned and hopefully how it will help them or how it connects to their life
Underlining words- this strategy is a good habit for students and it also allows them more ownership of their vocabulary.
This exercise is prepared by the Leaf Academy and it is part of the Spectator College, a programme created by The Slovak Spectator.
