Be an Active Member of Society

Abstract

Introduction Purpose: To design a simplified political science textbook for high school students and to reengaging the learners with politics in a friendly and personal way. Rationale: The fundamental notions of politics are necessary for those who will soon have the rights to vote. However, Korean education rarely provide opportunities for students to learn about the basic concepts of politics. Rather, it is more focused on the political or historical events or incidents. The students are asked to memorize them in order to take tests and get good scores. As a result, a number of young South Korean (ages above 19) responded to a couple of surveys that they think politics is difficult, do not feel the necessity of politics, and have no interests in politics . In an attempt to change young adults’ perspectives on politics and help them have interests in it, it needs to change the way of approaching and delivering the notions of politics in schools. This book provides various approach to learn about politics to help students have interests in the subject. By having an interest in politics, one can be an active member of society by understanding how society works. Target learners: 15 high school students, mixed gender Proficiency: Intermediate High – Advanced Low based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines. Learning context: In an international High School in South Korea or in an afterschool English program. Method CBI CLT TBLT Expected Outcomes Students will develop basic knowledge of politics by learning and fully understanding its fundamental notions. Students will acquire not only the content but also the language (especially new vocabulary) through authentic input and by using it actively. Students will be able to discuss and share their opinions related to the topic in the target language. Students will be able to express their opinions in various writing genres. Students will be able to learn how to cooperate and collaborate with others through different types of pair and group activities.