Design, plan, and host an event to create authentic communication and collaboration opportunities.
As part of a larger unit on leadership, learners in a Grade 11 English Language Arts: Transactional Focus class were asked to plan a one-day event as a mechanism to practise authentic communication. In small groups, they brainstormed choices for the event using the following criteria: it had to have enough components to have roles for all the learners in the class; it required communication to more than one outside audience; and it required an outside audience to attend. Each group brainstormed ideas and presented their top three ideas on a poster paper. The poster papers were placed on the wall for all the learners to consider. Each learner was given three green dots and was asked to review the ideas and to place the three green dots according to what they considered to be the strongest ideas (they could only choose one of their own). This class chose to host a Science Olympics, but other suggested events included clothing drives, track and field days, fashion shows, art exhibitions.
The task was to host a one-day event for Middle Years learners. The class broke into distinct groups to create the plan for the day. Each group needed to create a “station,” determine the needs of the audience and the station, and write a proposal for the station. Additionally, each group needed to develop a communication package that included important correspondence; a publicity campaign; directions, instructions, and supplies; and a proposed itinerary for their station. One group oversaw the whole project to ensure that that each station was complementing the others and to plan for the overall approach and schedule for the day. This group also collated the work of the others and worked to create a cohesive message for the event. They determined they needed to have someone welcome the learners, plan for those who were hesitant, consider how they would manage the crowds, and time the whole event to make sure it flowed smoothly.
To begin this work, the class learned about methods of decision-making, conflict resolution strategies, and the importance of listening to each other and putting trust in each other’s ideas. Each group co-constructed group norms so that they all had a way to contribute to the goal. Each learner in the group was responsible for at least one piece of communication and each group had a buddy group to provide feedback on their communications before sending it to the lead group for final feedback. The communication to outside audiences was reviewed and sent by the teacher.
As preparation for the event, the learners read several articles related to creating a sense of belonging, leadership, and communication with Middle Years learners. They worked together to ensure their instructions were clear for their audience and put a number of elements in place to ensure the Middle Years learners felt welcome and comfortable. Prior to the day of the event, each group practised running their station with their buddy groups to make sure it ran smoothly and that their oral directions were clear. From that feedback, they made any necessary changes. Throughout the planning process, the teacher circulated, asking probing questions to help learners identify challenges rather than making direct suggestions.
Stations included the following, among others:
On the day of the event, the learners set up the space and ran their events with great enthusiasm. Based on the thank-you cards and the positive feedback the Grade 11s received on the feedback form, it appears the Middle Years learners enjoyed their day.
Learners learned through experience not only how to write formal letters, emails, and proposals, how to plan a schedule, and how to speak to a large group, but they also learned that by working together they could accomplish something large and complex. The learners reflected on this experience by explaining how they had grown in their ability to communicate, collaborate, overcome obstacles, and change as necessary in a form of their choosing.
