[kpan217]

Here's an activity that I tried with a private class of high schoolers last semester, that got them reading and taking notes, plus asking a lot of questions. It just seemed that they'd rather be on vacation than be in my class, so...

I split them into two groups and gave them each a China guidebook. I then gave them a typical budget for a two-week vacation, and asked them to chart a vacation for themselves, including hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing outings for each day. And they explained where they wanted to go and why, and each person in the group had a chance to break off and see whatever they wanted even if the whole group wasn't interested in that specific site. It was interesting to see what tactics they used in order to save enough money to go shopping at the end.

This is something I've only been able to try once, but it worked all right. I guess beyond that, you could work out packing lists, and who carries what, and see if you can get a travel story out of it, or a "reenactment" of a moment on their trip, or something along those lines. I'd really like to see if anyone has an idea to make this a more coherent activity. Thanks!

[simplyesl]

This works well for business classes, too.

[jenniferp]

Wow, I really like the sound of this activity.
How big were the groups they worked in?

[simplyesl]

I've done it with big groups (up to 30). I split them up and get them to come up with the best vacation (as voted by the class).

[kpan217]

I was in a private class when we did this, so the groups were only 3 students each. It should be manageable up to 5 as long as everyone has a job or some sure way of participating. Just imagine when you've planned vacations with your friends, how you shared the tasks and discussed things.