Purple Eggs

by

Stephen M. Ryan


1. Objectives and Overview

Activity Overview:

This is an activity that encourages students to observe, speculate about, and gather information on salient differences in the (foreign) environment. It is mainly a discussion activity which begins with specific salient differences and encourages a specific approach/attitude to thinking about and investigating them

General Learning Objectives:

  • To provide an experiential understanding of the value of a specific approach to observing, thinking about, and investigating difference

Specific Learning Objectives (optional):

Keywords:

intercultural awareness, cultural differences, observation skills

2. Activity Context

Activity context description

I often use this activity when preparing students to study abroad. Even if I have only very limited time for "intercultural training," I try to include this activity. It works best with individuals or small groups of students. When accompanying students traveling abroad, I try to find time each day to talk about differences they have noted using the framework provided by this activity.

Students

Suggested range of students:
1
2
3
4
5
8
10
Do students need to use a second language?
No (skip to Step 4)
What is the second language?
Level(s) in target language:
  • These levels are approximations 
Comments

It is important to conduct this activity in a language students are comfortable in. The focus should be on thinking rather than finding words to express the thoughts.

3: Activity Duration

Estimated duration (multiple ranges possible):
15-30 minutes
30-45 minutes
How many sessions?
1
Any homework?
Yes

4. Download PDF

PDF document Ryan, S. - Purple Eggs (ICLE AI #15).pdf



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