Resource #V104172

Précis

Students are asked to come up with a number of questions prior to their visit. Using their experiences at the Donkey Sanctuary as their stimulus material, they will then collect information and endeavour to ask further questions whilst on site. The students are then expected to record their collected information in an appropriate manner on their return, and complete a presentation.

Contextual Summary

The resource task enables them to practise their thinking and questioning skills as well as their research and writing skills. Students are asked to come up with a number of questions prior to their visit. Using their experiences at the Sanctuary as their stimulus material, they will then collect information and endeavour to ask further questions whilst on site. The students are then expected to record their collected information in an appropriate manner on their return, and complete a presentation

Curriculum Relevance

English → Spoken Language → Questioning, listening, recording and summarising

Implementation

This is a pre-visit, on-site and post-visit resource. This task will be introduced before the visit to the Sanctuary so that students are aware of the need to plan their questions and can form ideas for possible creative research. It is anticipated that students will have an enriched experience as they will be reflecting on the potential research opportunities prior to their school visit as well as being able to find out information in a number of ways whilst on-site. The follow up activities will be inspired by the real and practical ways in which the information has been gathered. This will reinforce how English can provide valuable tools for communication.

Key Skills Practised

• Planning for research
• Constructing different types of questions using Bloom?s Taxonomy
• Gathering information through reading, speaking and listening
• Recording information in an engaging manner

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

The pre-visit task could be used to explore the importance of asking the right questions, e.g. open and closed questions. Using Bloom?s Taxonomy, pupils should be able to scaffold their questions in order to elicit a wealth of information whilst on site.

On Site

The visit should provide opportunities for reading information boards, interviewing staff and using their own observational skills. Pupils should be aware that a mixture of all these will be required for the best results.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate their thinking, questioning, reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. They will demonstrate evidence of planning, creative thinking, gathering of information and the recording of it in an effective and engaging way.