Assumptions that Divide Us

by

Stephen M. Ryan


1. Objectives and Overview

Activity Overview:

Students watch a YouTube video and reflect on why the waitress in the video was unable to communicate with her customers. Surprisingly the problem is not lack of a shared language but some very inflexible assumptions she makes. The activity is intended to give students a chance to reflect on the non-linguistic barriers to communication and the difficulties caused by unchallenged assumptions about the people we interact with.

General Learning Objectives:

  • to reflect on barriers to communication

Specific Learning Objectives (optional):

  • to realize that the greatest barrier to communication is not always the lack of a common language
  • to reflect on the role of assumptions in interpersonal communication

Keywords:

2. Activity Context

Activity context description

cognitive bias, stereotypes, intercultural awareness

Students

Suggested range of students:
2
3
4
5
8
10
15
20
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

3: Activity Duration

Estimated duration (multiple ranges possible):
15-30 minutes
How many sessions?
1
Any homework?
No

4. Download PDF

PDF document Ryan, S. - Assumptions (ICLE AI #7).pdf



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