Dogme Lesson Plan Example: Teaching English In A Dynamic Classroom Environment

Teachers may sometimes find it challenging to keep students engaged in the classroom. Traditional teaching methods can be too rigid and boring, leading to a lack of interest and participation from students. However, there is an alternative approach that can create a more dynamic classroom environment: the Dogme lesson plan. This article will explore what Dogme teaching is and how you can use it to create effective and engaging English lessons for your students.

Introduction: What is Dogme Teaching?

Dogme teaching is an approach to language teaching that prioritizes communication and interaction between students and teachers. The term “Dogme” comes from the Danish film movement of the same name, which rejected the use of big-budget production values in favor of a more spontaneous, natural approach to filmmaking. Similarly, Dogme teaching advocates for a minimalist approach to language teaching, using only the materials and resources that are readily available in the classroom.

The Principles of Dogme Teaching

Three main principles underpin Dogme teaching:

Emergence

Dogme’s teaching emphasizes the importance of emergent language, which is the language that arises naturally in the classroom through student-teacher interaction. This means that rather than focusing on pre-planned lessons and materials, the teacher allows the lesson to develop organically based on the needs and interests of the students.

Interaction

Another key principle of Dogme teaching is interaction. This involves creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful communication with each other and with the teacher. The teacher acts as a facilitator rather than a lecturer, encouraging students to take an active role in their learning.

Critical Thinking

Finally, Dogme teaching promotes critical thinking by encouraging students to question and analyze the language they are learning. Rather than simply memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules, students are encouraged to think critically about how language is used in different contexts.

Creating a Dogme Lesson Plan

Creating a Dogme lesson plan is a bit different from creating a traditional lesson plan. Here are some steps you can follow:

Step 1: Identify the Theme or Topic

Start by identifying a theme or topic that is relevant and interesting to your students. This could be anything from current events to pop culture to personal interests.

Step 2: Brainstorm Language Points

Once you have a theme or topic, brainstorm language points that are relevant to it. These could include vocabulary, grammar structures, idioms, and expressions.

Step 3: Create Opportunities for Interaction

Design activities that encourage students to interact with each other and with the teacher. These could include role-plays, discussions, debates, and games.

Step 4: Allow for Emergent Language

Be prepared to let the lesson develop organically based on the needs and interests of your students. Don’t be afraid to deviate from your plan if something interesting and relevant comes up.

Step 5: Encourage Critical Thinking

Throughout the lesson, encourage students to think critically about the language they are learning. Ask questions that challenge their assumptions and encourage them to analyze and reflect on their learning.

Example Dogme Lesson Plan: Music

Here is an example of a Dogme lesson plan centered around the theme of music:

1. Warm-Up Activity

Start the lesson with a warm-up activity that gets students thinking and talking about music. You could play a song and ask students to discuss what they like or dislike about it, or have them share their favorite genres or artists.

2. Vocabulary and Expressions

Introduce vocabulary and expressions related to music, such as “to hit the charts,” “to be a one-hit wonder,” and “to have a good beat.” Encourage students to think about how these expressions are used in different contexts and provide examples. You may invite students to read a text, listen to an audio, or watch a video about the same topic, and answer focus questions. This further contextualizes the target vocabulary.

3. Discussion Activity

Design a discussion activity that encourages students to interact with each other and share their opinions on music. This could be a debate on whether modern music is better than classic music or a group discussion on how music affects our mood and emotions.

4. Role-Play Activity

Create a role-play activity where students take on different roles in the music industry, such as a musician, a music producer, or a music journalist. Encourage them to use the vocabulary and expressions they have learned in a realistic context.

5. Emergent Language Activity

Be prepared to deviate from your plan if something interesting and relevant comes up in the discussion or role-play activity. For example, if a student mentions a new genre of music they recently discovered, explore it together as a class and learn more about it.

6. Critical Thinking Activity

Encourage students to think critically about the language they are learning by asking questions that challenge their assumptions. For example, ask them to analyze the lyrics of a popular song and identify the themes and messages it conveys.

FAQs

Conclusion

Dogme teaching is a flexible and dynamic approach to language teaching that can help create a more engaging and interactive classroom environment. By prioritizing communication, interaction, and critical thinking, teachers can help their students develop language skills that are relevant and meaningful to them.