Using ChatGPT to create lesson plans in English

I have recently written three articles about the use of ChatGPT you can read about it here; What happens in schools now, using ChatGPT for language learning, and Could Open AI change the teaching profession?

In this article, I would like to share my attempt to let ChatGPT a lesson plan for my website. Note that the list of websites for information is mostly reliable British sources. In many cases, this is a smart approach in class since some students might have difficulty restricting the number of sources. Would love any comment on how this looks to students and teachers.

Lesson Title: Reflecting on Linguistic Variants and the Role of English in Information Sharing and Democracy

Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to reflect on linguistic variants in some English-speaking countries and understand the influence and use of the English language in the exchange of information and opinions that are essential in a democracy. Students will also be able to write a written assignment that includes key elements and meets high-grade criteria.

Materials:

• List of English-speaking countries
• Examples of linguistic variants in English (e.g. British English, American English, Australian English, etc.)
• Access to the internet
• Writing prompts or guidelines for the written assignment (see below for examples)

Warm-Up (10 minutes):

• Begin the lesson by asking students if they are aware of any differences in the way English is spoken in different countries.
• Write their responses on the board.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes):

• Introduce the concept of linguistic variants, which are different forms of a language spoken in different regions or countries.
• Provide examples of linguistic variants in English, such as British English, American English, Australian English, etc.
• Ask students to suggest any other countries they know where English is spoken as the main language.
• Using the list of English-speaking countries, have students work in pairs or small groups to research and identify linguistic variants in some of these countries.

Guided Practice (15 minutes):

• Have students share their findings with the class.
• Lead a class discussion on the influence of linguistic variants on the way people communicate and exchange information, and how this can shape public opinion and democracy.

Independent Practice (20 minutes):

• Provide students with a writing prompt or guidelines for a written assignment on the topic of linguistic variants and the role of English in information sharing and democracy.
• Examples of prompts or guidelines:
  • Write an essay discussing the impact of linguistic variants on the exchange of information and shaping of public opinion in a democracy.
  • Write a research paper exploring the history and evolution of a specific linguistic variant of English and its role in communication and democracy.
  • Write a reflective piece on the importance of understanding linguistic diversity and the role of English in a globalized world.
• Emphasize the key elements that students should include in their written assignment, such as:
  • A clear and well-organized structure
  • Supporting evidence and examples from sources
  • Critical analysis and synthesis of information
  • Personal reflection and opinions
• Review the criteria for earning a high grade on the written assignment, such as:
  • Meeting all of the requirements of the prompt or guidelines
  • Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic
  • Using clear and effective writing style
  • Properly citing sources

Closure (10 minutes):

• Review the main points of the lesson and emphasize the importance of understanding linguistic variants in English and their influence on communication and democracy.
• Encourage students to continue exploring the role of language in shaping public opinion and to think critically about the information they encounter.

Assessment:

• Observe and take notes on student participation in class discussions and independent practice activities.
• Use the final written assignments as a form of assessment for understanding and application of the lesson material.

Ann Michaelsen;   List reliable sources where you can find more information on linguistic variants of English that do not have a subscription; in other words free to use for everyone.

Here are some reliable sources where you can find more information on linguistic variants of English that are free to use for everyone:

1. The World Atlas of Language Structures: This online resource includes maps and charts showing the distribution and characteristics of different linguistic variants of English around the world.
2. Wikipedia: The online encyclopedia includes articles on linguistic variants of English, including their history, structure, and usage.
3. The British Library: The library’s online collections include a variety of resources on linguistic variants of English, including historical texts and contemporary research articles.
4. The Internet Archive: This online library includes a collection of books and other resources on linguistic variants of English, including historical texts and contemporary research articles.
5. The Open University: The university’s website includes a range of resources on linguistic variants of English, including course materials, lectures, and research articles.
6. The British Council: The council’s website includes resources on linguistic variants of English, including lesson plans, activities, and games for learners of all ages.
7. The Open Education Consortium: This online resource includes a variety of educational materials on linguistic variants of English, including textbooks, lectures, and course materials.

Ann Michaelsen; Provide examples of linguistic variants in English, such as British English, American English, Australian English, etc.

1. British English: Words like “travelling” and “centre” are spelled with a double “l” in British English, whereas in American English they are spelled as “traveling” and “center”. British English also tends to use “-ise” verb endings (e.g., “organise”) rather than “-ize” endings used in American English (e.g., “organize”).
2. American English: American English tends to use words like “elevator” and “truck” instead of “lift” and “lorry”, which are common in British English. It also tends to use “-ize” verb endings (e.g., “organize”) rather than “-ise” endings used in British English (e.g., “organise”).
3. Australian English: Australian English has many similarities to both British and American English, but it also has some unique vocabulary and pronunciation characteristics. For example, Australians might use “arvo” instead of “afternoon” and “billabong” instead of “creek”. They might also pronounce certain words differently, such as “tomato” (tuh-MAY-toh) and “process” (PRAH-sis).
4. Indian English: Indian English is a variant of English spoken in India and other parts of South Asia. It has many characteristics of British English, but it also has some unique features, such as the use of the word “university” to refer to any higher education institution, and the use of the word “period” to refer to a school class.

These are just a few examples of linguistic variants in English. There are many other variations of the language spoken around the world, each with its own unique characteristics.