Lesson Plan: Working Collaboratively in the College EFL Classroom

http://esl.about.com/library/lessons/nbl_baker2.htm

Education

English as 2nd Language

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9/12/2013 9:23 AM

Lesson Plan: Working Collaboratively in the College EFL Classroom

http://esl.about.com/library/lessons/nbl_baker2.htm

never be able to move that part of her body again unless she receives extensive medical help. For these reasons, Ms. Brown filed the largest civil suit in U.S history --25 million dollars. * Material adapted from Brook's The Non-Stop Discussion Workbook: Problems for Intermediate and Advanced Students of English. *Activity adapted from Peter Grundy's Newspapers: Resource Books for Teachers Step 2: The students remain in their groups and answer some comprehension questions about the text: Who hit Ms. Browns car? How fast was Mr. Jones going? What were the road conditions? Why did Ms. Brown's car catch fire? What happened to Ms. Brown? How much money did the judge award Ms. Brown? Step 3: The instructor leads a short discussion about the answers in preparation for the next activity. III. Post Reading Stage Consensus Activity Step 1: The students are told they are going to read more about what happened at the trial. They need to decide which parties are most at fault and order the cards representing the parties from most at fault to least. Then, the students need to award monetary damages. Consensus Ordering Cards Mr. James Jones: Mr. Jones' drunkenness undoubtedly led him to exceed the speed limit and affected his ability to react to treacherous street conditions. As a result of the accident, he was found guilty in criminal court of negligent contribution to the accident. Amount of money Mr. Jones must pay Ms. Brown: Reason (s): The Disco bar: According to California law, the owner of a bar can be held legally responsible for allowing a drunk patron to leave the premises. Mr. Jones had been drinking at the Disco bar for four hours prior to the accident. Testimony revealed that the manager of the bar knew Mr. Jones was drunk and did nothing. Amount of money the Disco Bar must pay Mrs. Brown. Reason (s): The city of Los Angeles, Maintenance Department: At the time of the accident, though unusual, snow had been falling for six hours. According to testimony, the Department had made no attempt either to clear the streets or post warning signs. Amount the Department must pay Ms. Brown: Reason (s): The Ford Motor Co.: Tests of all models of the Pinto revealed a critical deficiency in the structural design that made it easier for the gas tank to rupture on contact. Ford Motor Co. allegedly knew of the defect, yet did nothing. Over 500 similar accidents have been reported nationwide. Amount Ford must pay Ms. Brown: Reason(s): The Harper Aluminum company: According to strict regulations, the bumpers of cars must be built to withstand an impact of 35 miles per hour (mph) without crumpling. Ms. Jones was gong approximately 35 mph in a 20-mph zone when the accident occurred. Nonetheless, the rear bumper crumpled immediately, allowing the gas tank to be exposed. Amount Harper must pay Ms. Brown Reason (s): The Department of Health, Education and Welfare WEH, Washington DC.: This department has the legal responsibility to verify that all car models are free from structural defects. Apparently, inspectors were negligent in checking the Pinto bumper and gas tank. Amount the Department of Health must pay Ms. Brown

2 of 3

9/12/2013 9:23 AM

Lesson Plan: Working Collaboratively in the College EFL Classroom

http://esl.about.com/library/lessons/nbl_baker2.htm

3 of 3

9/12/2013 9:23 AM