Reconceptualizing language teaching: an in-service teacher education course in uzbekistan

1. Pre-listening Task 1
In your group, take a piece of blank paper and draw a line down the 
middle. At the top of one side write AGREE; at the top of the other side, write 
DISAGREE. Now brainstorm in your group by passing the paper around the 
group and writing down one way in English we express either agreement 
or disagreement (gestures and other non-verbal behavior may be includ-
ed); if you need time to think, pass the paper and wait for your next turn. 
When the paper has been passed four times, you are done. Be ready to 
share your lists with the class.
2. Pre-listening Task 2
Think for a moment about the following four issues and decide which 
one you consider, at this moment, to be the most important one to combat 
or eliminate from our society: physical violence; sexual harassment; disin-
terest and apathy; lack of understanding and forgiveness. Go to the rele-
vant corner of the room and briefly discuss with those you meet there one 
or two ways of reducing or opposing the phenomenon you chose. 
3. Listening
Listen carefully to the story and then rank the following protagonists in 
order by writing the numbers 1 through 5 in column One. Write 5 opposite 
the person you consider the most offensive, the most reprehensible, the 

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RECONCEPTUALIZING LANGUAGE TEACHING
nastiest; write 1 opposite the person you consider the least offensive, least 
reprehensible, least nasty.
Protagonist
One
Two
Abigail
Sinbad
Ivan
Gregory
Slug
4. Discussion
Now meet with your group and discuss the rankings with the aim of 
reaching consensus. Write this new ranking in column Two. You may not 
arithmetically average your individual scores. You must argue for your po-
sition, make concessions, press points, ask questions, and seek clarification.