Choice of Restaurant
Reinhard Ursprung
Course “Intercultural Communication“
Class “RPS” (March 13, 2008 6:30pm)
Table of Contents
Summary of the March 06-session
Layout of the March 13-session
RPS scenarios Scenario 1 Scenario 2
Summary of the March 06-session
Following was planned but not performed (time problem) last time. Therefore, I make up leeway here:
1. summary and definition of the learning results (s.b.)
2. (every participant records them for future use) I do it here this time
The first session, however unstructured it may have appeared, was just a warm-up to introduce simple role playing and to focus the attention and generate interest, develop confidence and to show how to perform the role play. It was merely meant to function as ice-breaker and a collective decision-making activity, which can help develop a range of skills in the target language.
It is also suitable to let the instructor understand the knowledge level that learners bring to the scene, and place close attention to the introduction of experiential exercises so that the learners, who may be from a culture in which teacher-centered classrooms are the rule, and who may have other inhibitions that could make a simulation difficult, do not become discouraged.
Further it was meant to help with adapting future material to the needs of the individual learners.
Based on that, follow-up sessions can be more efficient by being more organized and structured and participants understand and accept the value and enormous potential that this learning concept can provide if followed with the necessary amount of seriousness and discipline.
Which does not mean it has to be dry and boring. Jokes and fun in the right dose are a very important element to eliminate stress and tensions that are the greatest obstacles to efficient learning.
Following simulations as a first practice were carried out by: 1. Paul and Johnny (visitor asks questions about a religious parade), 2. Trista and Mabel (in the taxi), 3. Angel and Maggie (restaurant), 4. Mabel and Martha (politics).
Layout of the March 13-session
Required material: I suggest to still prepare the name tags or make new ones (same size) as I have a bad memory and a poor vision, some paper for notes and any kind of writing tool. Also it would be an asset to have a shoe model as a prop for the 2nd scenario (just in case we need it).
And please, one additional copy for me (my fancy printer is in repair).
Time table:
18:30 - 18:35 my special „sponge-exercise” (release tension, mind massage, focus booster)
18:35 - 18:50 explanation and discussion of the last session summary
18:50 - 19:10 explanation of the simulation scenarios, questions, assessment
19:10 - 20:10 role plays
20:10 - 20:30 summary and definition of the learning results
Some theory on RPS (Role Play Simulation) in general
Some of you may still have the bias towards simulation as something childish. So maybe telling you a few stories of how the most serious, dangerous and adventurous professionals are using this method as the primary and most effective training to prepare themselves for their tasks will help you to change your opinion about RPS and to accept the idea of trying out if it can work the miracle it does for all these peak performers for you too.
Acknowledging the high professionalism and efficiency of the concept will then help you to overcome a natural more or less strongly pronounced resentment due to shyness, which comes from the fear to make a fool of oneself in front of those watching, or due to other attitudes like pride, which are results of not accepting and/or understand the aforesaid, in which case a separate discussion may help.
Overcoming shyness is a beneficial side effect of the exercise as it helps you to eliminate one of the major obstacles in our interaction and communication with others, including our colleagues and business counterparts.
Those who want to find out more about how to tackle shyness and social phobia can find some very useful information here.
More and more companies discover simulation as an effective and efficient way of personnel development. Especially when cost of failure is high and the performance arena is uncertain, more and more companies rely on “simulation enhanced learning”.
Latest research shows that and how simulation facilitates second language acquisition and those who are curious can find tons of material about this topic.
Comprehensible input is provided in simulations because learners engage in genuine communication in playing their roles. Active involvement stems from participation in worthwhile, absorbing interaction which tends to make learners forget they are learning a new language. Learners have the opportunity to try out new behaviors in a safe environment, which helps them develop long term motivation to master an additional language. In addition to encouraging genuine communication, active involvement, and a positive attitude, the simulated "real life" problems help learners develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Learners should be active and have considerable control over their own learning. They should help select themes and tasks and provide details of their learning process.
My role as a moderator (not instructor):
Rather than a traditional, teacher-centered classroom structure, the teacher keeps a relatively low profile and learners are free to interact with each other spontaneously. This reduces learner anxiety and facilitates learning.
The teacher becomes the controller, and controls the event in the same way as a traffic controller, helping the flow of traffic and avoiding bottlenecks, but not telling individuals which way to go.
Scenario 1
Title: Discussing a choice of restaurants with a business visitor.
General notes: Those who have dealt with visiting businessmen (and women) over the years know that in the world of business, a meal isn't just a meal. It's an event that speaks volumes about the status of the clients and the direction the negotiations are taking. Choosing the right restaurant will have a crucial impact on how upcoming business issues will develop. Choosing the perfect restaurant in which to entertain business visitors means having to be mindful of cultural differences as well as varied culinary tastes. Bear in mind that most Western businesspeople consider it to be bad form to discuss business during a meal.
Description: The host is working with the Taiwanese office and has to invite an important guest who is a South American national and works for the
* time slot for each simulation will be set based on the total number of class participants
Scenario 2
(in case there is time for a 2nd round, we will create this scenario to practice simulation design)
Title: Introducing a new shoe design prototype to a product manager.
Description: The presenter is working with the Taiwanese office and has to convince the product manager who is originally from
* time slot for each simulation will be set based on the total number of class participants
Questions I will ask each of the participants:
1. Was the role play realistic? YES I NO I WHY ?
2. Was the goal achieved? YES I NO I WHY ?
3. Was it a learning experience for you? YES I NO I WHY ?
4. What did you learn? (one sentence answer)
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