Tag: video

21st Century Education

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“The children are our future.” This is a sentence we often hear from the generations ahead of us. With this vision in mind, society, through collaborative work, strive to value, respect, and train them for the future. The goal is to help them realize their full potential.

One aspect of such training is education. In the 21st century, we are experiencing a technological revolution. It dramatically changed the way children learn and interact with each other. For example, online learning is becoming the norm. Kids can stay at home and still be “present” at school. They can even take their exams in the comfort of their homes!

But how does 21st-century education benefit the children and in turn, society? Watch the video about 21st century education.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some ways technology is utilized in learning?
  2. What do you think of distance learning?
  3. How does the fast-developing technology affect the way children learn and communicate?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in educating children?
  5. What are some examples of jobs that are recently invented?

Would You Opt for a Life with No Pain?

C1 – Advanced

The idea of happiness is too vague that it has always been a bone of contention. Can happiness always be equated with experiences that bring us pleasure? Do these experiences need to always be realistic?

Let’s watch the video and find out more about life’s pleasure and pain.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain Robert Nozick’s “experience machine”.
  2. Imagine a life without pain. How would it be like?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living a life of limitless pleasure?
  4. Do you agree that in life, there should be a balance between happiness and pain? Support your stand.
  5. Would you rather be left in the dark than to know a harsh truth? Explain your opinion.

Backyard Squirrel Maze

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever seen a squirrel before? And if so, have you ever thought that small creatures like them could have an advanced brain?

Probably not right? Well, think again. As of recent, squirrels have been proven to be incredibly smart. Want to know how that is?

Let’s watch this video to find out if squirrels are really smart.

Discussion Questions:

  1. After watching the video, do you partially understand the intelligence of squirrels? After watching this video, do you now think that some humans are possibly not as intelligent as squirrels? Explain your thoughts.
  2. Do you believe that squirrels can fall from any height and survive? Explain your stand.
  3. What animal do you know of that possesses such wits? What are they capable of doing?

The Crazy Starbucks Order

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You are a regular at this cafe. All you want is your customized drink from your favorite cafe. So you order it. 

You are a barista at this coffee shop. All you want is to come in to work and have a normal day.

Watch the video and see the story of the 13-ingredient order at Starbucks that got a barista fired from his job. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the barista posting something like that?
  2. What are your thoughts on getting fired for your social media posts about things related to work?
  3. What do you think about the customer’s order and stand that his order is okay as long as he tips generously?
  4. What are usual reasons people would want to quit their jobs?
  5. At restaurants or cafes, what kind of customer are you?

Lessons the Pandemic Taught Us about Work, Life, and Balance

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Everybody is just going forward so afraid to get stuck. While this pandemic opened our eyes to endless possible ideas, it has also made us realize how strong, resilient, and brave we can be in times of hardships. It has made us rethink our life decisions and ponder whether we have truly lived to our fullest potential. It has made us answer one big question: Are you genuinely happy with the kind of life that you’ve lived so far?

Watch the video on the four things this pandemic has taught all of us.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What has this pandemic taught you?
  2. How has your work/life changed since the pandemic?
  3. What struggles have you experienced working from home?
  4. How can you be a better employee this year?
  5. What difference can you make?

The Strongest Predictor for Success

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Grit can make or break your future. Studies show that grittier kids have a higher chance of succeeding simply because they persevere even when they fail.

Watch this video and know about the strongest predictor of success.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain “Grit”? Do you agree or disagree with her that looks, physical health, IQ, etc. aren’t the greatest predictor of success?
  2. Who do you consider is successful and why?
  3. What’s the greatest failure you’ve ever had and what did you learn from it?
  4. Do you still persevere in difficult times? How do you do it? What’s the most difficult circumstance you’ve ever had to persevere with?
  5. How do you motivate yourself? Do you have a growth mindset?

The Keys to a Great Conversation

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Talk is never cheap. It takes a lot of effort to make a good conversation. Some are not very good at carrying conversations while some are just naturally born with it.

Watch the 10 basic rules on how to have a better conversation:

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you’d likely start using/doing.
  2. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you disagree with.
  3. Why is it important to be interested in what others have to say?
  4. Is it difficult for you to make a conversation with a stranger? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about an important conversation you have ever had in your life.
  6. What do you do to improve your communication skills?

Carnival Scam Science

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A carnival is a fun place where people have fun and play games but have you ever played any carnival games before? Have you ever experienced winning and losing those games?

We all have probably heard of carnival games being scams. The question is, how are they ripping us off?

Do they glue bottles so we can’t knock them down, do they make it impossible to land a shot on a net, or do they do something subtle so they make a lot of money?

To understand this, take a look at this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you actually think carnival games are a scam? Explain your stand.
  2. Do you agree with the points made in the video? Yes or no? Explain your opinion.
  3. What are the things that this video taught you about carnivals games and the science behind them?
  4. Do you think you have higher probability of winning a prize at carnival games after watching this video?
  5. Talk about any of your fond/unforgettable memories at carnivals.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

B1 – Intermediate

There is an old saying that goes “two heads are better than one”. It means that two people thinking together can come up with a better solution to a problem than a single person. It could also be more than two people working together. This phrase was first seen in the Bible and then was published in some books later on.

Let us hear more about the expression “two heads are better than one” in the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “two heads are better than one” mean?
  2. Do you prefer working alone or with another person or other people?
  3. What are the pros and cons of working with someone?
  4. Can a person get their goals in life on their own? Why or why not?
  5. What are your experiences when you needed help from others?

Tie the Knot

B1 – Intermediate

The phrase “tie the knot” is quite known globally which refers to marriage. There are a lot of theories where the origin of this phrase came from but one surely stands out.

Tying the knot comes from centuries-old wedding tradition called the hand-fasting ceremony. In this ancient Celtic practice, the couple literally ties the knots of cloth around their hands binding them together making them one.

Let us hear more about the expression “tie the knot” on the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoUTRZGfVRg

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “tie the knot” mean? What other similar expressions related to marriage do you know of?
  2. How important is marriage in your country?
  3. What are the pros and cons of marriage?
  4. Are there any interesting wedding traditions in your country?
  5. What is the difference between being single and being married?