Tag: Psychology

Hitting a Pandemic Wall

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s been almost a year after the pandemic hit the world and everyone’s been fighting their own demons since. Safe to say, it’s really been tough on everybody. After nearly a year into this whole ordeal, many people have been suffering from the so-called ‘pandemic fatigue’. 

Read the article below to find out more about how to cope when you hit the pandemic wall.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coronavirus-pandemic-wall-mental-health_l_601b3c9dc5b6c0af54d09ccb

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss your thoughts on the following statements:

a. The pandemic has over-activated my stress system.

         b. Uncertainty also plays a huge role in hitting this wall.

        c. Hitting the pandemic wall is a completely valid response to totally irregular circumstances.

2. Do you think you experience or have experienced the dreaded pandemic fatigue? How is/was this moment for you?

3. What were your ways of coping with stress pre-pandemic and what are new ways that you have learned to cope with everyday stress during the pandemic?

4. What are the good things that came out from your experience of a pandemic?

5. What lessons can you take away from this whole experience?

Are You a Body With a Mind or a Mind With a Body?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Man has made a lot of advances in the field of Natural Sciences. However, despite these accomplishments, we are still yet to fully understand the very core of all these—our brains. Experts say that we are yet to fully understand how the brain processes information.

There are a lot of theories that attempt to define what a “self” is, but the fundamental question remains. Are you a body with a mind or a mind with a body?

Let’s watch the video and find out.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what does the Rubber Hand Illusion experiment show about our judgment?
  2. Do you believe that our body is part of our consciousness? Why or why not?
  3. What do you think is the reason why despite extensive research, we still understand very little of how the brain works?
  4. What is your opinion on neuroprosthetics and/or mind uploading? Do you think they’re possible?
  5. Based on the arguments raised in the video, which one do you think are we? A body with a mind or a mind with a body? Explain your answer.

Stress Baking During US Election

B1 – Intermediate

Often, talks about politics cause stress on some people. Americans were under a lot of stress due to the last election in their country. They had to find a way to release all those stress.

Read the lesson to find out what they did to cope with their stress.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201105-stress-baking-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is baking and making bread helpful in fighting stress and anxiety? 
  2. What is your opinion on using baking as a stress reliever?
  3. What hobbies/activities did you do because of stress?
  4. What do you normally do during stressful situations at work?
  5. What is the most stressful day for you this year?
  6. What are some causes of your stress nowadays?

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you have an underperforming colleague but has absolutely no clue about it and instead prides himself on his terrible performance at work? This is the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

Let’s watch the video and know more about it.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
  2. Do you know people who are exceptionally competent? Are they aware of it?
  3. On the other hand, do you know people who are incompetent but think they’re amazing? What is it like working with them?
  4. Do you have the ability to recognize your errors? What do you do when you have been made aware of them?
  5. What are the tips to have an accurate assessment of yourself that were mentioned in the video?

What Causes Panic Attacks and How Can You Prevent Them?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Learning about panic attacks could be uncomfortable but recognizing what’s causing them is the only way to prevent them. Have you seen someone experienced lightheadedness, numbness, or hyperventilation? Those are only a few things you can feel when having panic attacks.

Find out more about what causes it and how it can be prevented from the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can trigger panic attacks?
  2. What are the two main treatments for panic disorder?
  3. What does “Fear can’t hurt you, but holding on to it will escalate panic” mean?
  4. Have you ever had / seen someone have panic attacks before? Talk about your experience.
  5. Why do you think it is important to know more about this topic?
  6. What is the best thing to do when things get a little too scary?

World Autism Awareness Day

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Autism is a growing global health crisis. The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in Qatar, 2007. WAAD aims to educate people about autism and different intervention. It celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with this disorder. People with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the world.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript and be able to discuss the questions that follow.

https://eslholidaylessons.com/04/world_autism_awareness_day.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the UN adopting a resolution to recognize this disorder?
  2. How can this resolution help people with autism?
  3. How are people with this disorder viewed and treated in your country?

Live in the Present

C1 – Advanced

Isn’t it our reality to rather live either in the past or in the future, especially when the situation is unpleasant? Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to live in the now? We know very little about the importance of living in the present as many of us would like to shift our thoughts to disregarding living in their present. Perhaps they have what we call a peculiar-sounding problem an inability to properly inhabit the stretch of time which is the present.

Let’s learn more about living in the present by watching this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you prefer to dwell in the past, live in the present, or dream of the future?
  2. How much do you dwell in the past? Are you a nostalgic person? Do you focus on past regrets or slights?
  3. How do you cope with the uncertainty in your own life and in the world? Are you a type of person who tries to “live in the moment”? Do you wish you could more easily?
  4. Do you have ways to cope with a challenging present and uncertain future? Any recommendations you could give?

What is Deja Vu?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Almost everyone has experienced déjà vu at some point in their life. It’s a mysterious feeling that something that is happening right now has happened before because it seems too familiar to you.

The term déjà vu is French which means “already seen”. Scientists had tried studying it but everyone failed since it’s too complicated.

Let’s watch the video below to learn more about déjà vu.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you define deja vu? What are the theories about it?
  2. Have you experienced deja vu before? Talk about it.
  3. Do you think deja vu is related to our past or future? How so?
  4. Is deja vu good or bad? How can it affect us in some way?
  5. Do you believe it is a sign of reincarnation? Support your stand.

How to Build Your Confidence and Spark It in Others

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is necessary to have confidence in whatever you do in order to get things done. Being confident does not necessarily mean bragging about your achievements but having a mindset that you can make your dreams into reality despite the hardships.

Being confident means getting back up after every failure. Being confident means not being stuck in the past. Confidence is a revolutionary choice.

Here in this video, you will learn why having confidence can help you change your life for the better.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you a confident person? Why is confidence so important?
  2. What are the ways that you can do to boost your confidence?
  3. Is it necessary to live in a supportive community? Why?
  4. Do you feel intimidated when you make mistakes? Cite a situation when this happened to you.
  5. How do you handle failures? Share your experiences.

Being an Introvert is a Good Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As stated in the video, introverts are people who are quiet and keeps their thoughts mostly to themselves. They don’t want to be in the spotlight or to have lots of social interactions. Most people would say that this is a negative trait, but then again, this isn’t always right.

Watch the video below and learn more about how being an introvert is a positive thing.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
  2. What are the pros and cons of being an introvert?
  3. How about the pros and cons of an extrovert?
  4. Would you want to change to make yourself better? What things about yourself would you like to change