Webquest

Introduction:

Dear friends, now you a have a lot of information about how to learn a foreign languages. I hope that you are interested in this topic and will definitely cope with this task because the ability to speak several languages has never been so important.

Your job is to help school systems design programs that help to prepare students to be competitive in a global society.  The world is becoming smaller in that we can now communicate via the world wide web (internet), phone, etc. at the touch of a keypad and we know that we must work with our global neighbors to make improvements to our planet and way of life.Your job is to persuade teachers and students that acquiring at least a second language is crucial to our success as part of a planet. 

You have until the next meeting to create your presentation(s).

Task:

You and your partner are going to design a powerpoint which you will use in a presentation at the next meeting. Within your presentation you must include at least six reasons students need to become proficient with a second language, supported with text information, pictures and graphs as well as a catchy introduction and conclusion. Also keep track (digitally) of the sources you use to create your powerpoint on your WebQuest Guide Sheet, for you will be creating individual brochures, next, on this same topic.

Process:

First, you and your partner will want to decide on at least six primary reasons students need to become proficient with a second (or even third) language.  Remember, the quality of what you say is more important than the quantity of reasons, so...1) Explain yourself well.  Why is this reason a crucial one to educating students?  Also,  2) Give a statistic in the form of a graph or chart OR use a visual which "says it all," for a picture will support your words and make a stronger impact on your audience.  Finally, don't forget to 3) Keep track of your web sources for your text information and your visual support.  Use the attached Web Guide Sheet to gather your information, so you don't leave anything out.

Here are some helpful web sources to help start your research:

Various Reasons to Learn a Second Language:

Vistawide 

Buzzle 

Ezine Articles

Yahoo

Second, you and your partner are now ready to create your powerpoint. Remember, DO NOT just copy and paste information onto your powerpoint, but put your thoughts into your own words.  If you must quote the words of another, use quotation marks and attach a Works Cited Page at the end of your powerpoint. Also, please be careful not to put too much information on any one page of your powerpoint for your audience will be reading what you write and looking at the visuals. Please see the web address below on how to site and create a Works Cited page using internet sources.

MLA Style

Third, create an introduction that grabs your audience's attention and a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.   

Fourth, you and your partner should carefully edit your powerpoint, individually and then together.  Remember, you are the person at the helm of your ship - You are the person who is navigating your audience to a clearer understanding of the need for second language study.   So keep your ship afloat by retaining the interest of your audience while you take them on a trip around the world of language awareness.

Evaluation:

There are no strict rules on the evaluation of this project. Still, there are the requirements you have to meet in order to get the highest mark:

1. Creativity

2. Fluency of the speech

3. Sufficiency of the vocabulary

4. The quality of the presentation

Conclusion:

Congratulations!  You have just taken the first step in convincing your audience to think outside the ship we call "home" to a whole ocean of vessels, traveling the course of voyages we call "life".  We must communicate with one another and show each other we care by raising flags of friendship - language and cultural awareness.