Tuesday 18 September

1830 - 2030 | British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2BN

London

Found Objects: 

How Picasso’s bull’s head can be used in the ELT classroom

Luke Meddings

The idea of found objects derives from taking things designed for another purpose and turning them

into art: Picasso’s bull’s head made from bicycle parts is a famous example. The principle for teaching

is the same: find something interesting and use it as stimulus for a lesson.

Although it is possible to generate interaction merely by displaying a ‘found object’, we also need to

develop lesson frameworks and teaching strategies which help us to shape this into a learning

experience.

In this hands-on workshop we'll explore ways to build memorable lessons and lesson sequences

using non-‘teaching’ stimulus that is readily available to teachers and learners in the UK and

elsewhere. As we do this, we'll look at some key questions, including:

- Is there a difference between 'stimulus' and 'materials' in the classroom? 

- How much structure should we provide - and how do we find a balance between direction and  

  support?   

- What are the pros and cons of verbal and non-verbal stimulus? 

- How can learners be encouraged to source their own objects?

- How can found objects be used to inspire project work?

Participants will be invited to work with a found object and share their ideas for developing it as 

stimulus, before feeding back on Luke Medding's suggestions.

Who is this for?

All English Language teachers - EFL, ESOL, EAL - from newly qualified to experienced.

Programme (approx.)

1830 – 1900 Welcome and refreshments

1900 – 2000 Found objects with Luke Meddings

2000 – 2030 Networking reception

Every seminar is free of charge.

However places are limited.

@BCseminars 

bcseminars1@britishcouncil.org

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/seminars