Problem Based Learning: Spanish Lesson

Problem Based Learning is getting a lot of attention lately. I have found an exciting lesson that provides a problem based learning activity for students in a Spanish class. Teenagers are constantly on the search for acquiring cash and extra spending money. The lesson below provides a great real-life situation where a teenager can earn money, but also must solve a problem to help them successfully complete their task. The lesson plan template incorporates all areas of the lesson to guide teachers with implementing this activity into their planning.

PBL Lesson Plan Template

Lesson Name:  Babysitting en Espanol

Subject:                Spanish Exploratory

Date:

Time Allotted:        2 class periods (1.5 hours)

Instructional Objectives: Given the situation of needing to communicate with a 2-year-old in his care, the learner will compose a a list of Spanish words and phrases likely to be needed. The learner groups will then role-play the situation, using the appropriate vocabulary, in front of the class.

Assessment of Mastery of Objectives: Rubric will assess final project, which will be in two parts; a Spanish-English babysitter’s phrase list brochure (a list of words and phrases likely to be needed), as well as a one- to two-minute skit.

Question or Problem for Students: Your new neighbors have offered you an opportunity to earn a bit of money. They would like you to babysit their two-year-old visiting nephew next Friday night. The only hitch is that their nephew only speaks and understands Spanish. Fortunately, you have taken this Spanish class and have a few days to prepare for the experience.   With your partner, you need to compile a list of words and phrases likely to be needed to care for this Spanish-speaking two-year-old for an evening. Consider all the activities involved in a child’s evening, and try to anticipate potential problems. Your list of words and phrases should be neatly typed, so that it can be a resource for other babysitters in your situation, as well.   You will use your phrases in a one- to two-minute role-playing activity. In your skit, one of you will be the child, and the other will play the babysitter. Plan your situation ahead of time; Will you depict dinner time, play time, or bed time?  Try to work in at least ten phrases. Both your phrase list and your skit will be graded.

Special Directions for Cooperative Grouping: Pairs work well, but a group of three is fine. Avoid groups of more than three.

Resources for Groups: 1.       Computers – 1 per group for typing lists and as a research tool. 2.       Spanish-English dictionaries 3.       Access to a printer 4.       Copy of  assessment rubric (available on PBL site)

Lesson Notes:   Steer students away from potty humor in the skits, although knowing Spanish words for diaper, etc. is appropriate.

Lesson Plan Retrieved from: http://www.pblearning.com/spanish-sample-lessons.html