Unit 2 Session 1

Session length and engagement with your online classmates depends on YOU, so proceed to the next session whenever you’re ready. Remember that your peers await your contributions. Help them learn with you and from you!

First, introduce yourself to your Forum group in a 30 second Flipgrid video. (Click HERE for a quick tutorial how to use Flipgrid.com. ) Tell your new classmates where you’re from, where you currently live and study, and what is your answer to these questions: What is your personal definition of the word „lifestyle”? What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone asks „what’s your lifestyle?”

Watch a classmate’s introduction and post a 10-15 second response, saying, for example “Nice to meet you.” or commenting on their ideas.

PASSWORD: Speak2Learn

FORUM GROUP 1 Write code or click  df209858

FORUM GROUP 2 Write code or click  4e7bc0f3

FORUM GROUP 3 Write code or click d8c6bf4a

Session 1 PART 1: Critical Thinking

Examine the Dictionary.com definitions of the word „LIFESTYLE.” Ponder: which definition is closest to what you said in the introductory video? Why?

American English

  1. the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, economic level, etc., that together constitute the mode of living of an individual or group.

British English

  1. a set of attitudes, habits, or possessions associated with a particular person or group

    2. such attitudes, etc, regarded as fashionable or desirable

New Zealand

  1. a luxurious semirural manner of living

In medicine: n. A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group.

Synonyms for lifestyle (n. way of life)

Behavior          conduct           habits              style of living              way of acting

Session 1 PART 2: Listening Comprehension (9:55 minutes)

Watch the TEDxSF talk entitled Gratitude by Louie Schwartzberg. (file on Youtube)

  • Listen to the 2nd half very carefully: it’s a talk by Benedictine monk Brother David Steindl-Rast.
  • Turn off the closed captions & attempt to transcribe the words he says.

Think ToK – Areas of Knowledge: Human Sciences (Psychology) – What am I grateful for? How is the concept of gratitude connected with the concept of lifestyle? 

FIT-EDUCATION BREAK #1

Session 1 PART 3: Reading Comprehension

READING PLAYLIST 1

Skim& scan the articles from the reading playlist and read one for gist. Ponder this question: If people are looking for alternative lifestyles, what’s the matter with “mainstream”? THINK ToK – Areas of Knowledge Human Sciences (Psychology, Sociology)

10 Awesome Alternative Lifestyles (www.lifehack.org, John Howard, M.A., no publication date)

How “niche” lifestyle brands are increasing their mass market appeal (www.marketingweek.com) Ch. Rogers, Feb 15, 2018)

They Call Us Crazy: How To Thrive When Living a Non-Mainstream Lifestyle, (www.frugallysustainable.com, Andrea, Jan 8, 2019)

READING PLAYLIST 2

Skim& scan the articles from the reading playlist and read one for gist. Ponder this question: How have lifestyles around the world changed because of the internet and the media? How has the “mainstream” lifestyle changed in your corner of the world?

Is digital nomad living going mainstream? (www.computerworld.com, Mike Elgan, Aug 1, 2009)

After yoga, meditation breaks into the mainstream (www.straitstimes.com, Oct 15,2017)

Digital Nomadism Goes Mainstream (www.forbes.com, Elaine Pofeldt, Aug 30,2018)

How documentaries took veganism into the mainstream (www.lifeandhealth.org , RCamacho, no publication date)

This Australian company gives employees 12 weeks of “life leave” every year (matadornetwork.com, Eben Diskin, March 2019)

Session 1 PART 4 FORUM:

Post your opinion on one or more of the articles from either reading playlist. Include your thoughts on one or more of these questions:

  • If people are looking for alternative lifestyles, what’s the matter with “mainstream”?
  • How have lifestyles around the world changed because of the internet and the media?
  • How has the “mainstream” lifestyle changed in your corner of the world?

Remember to clearly mention the article to which you’re referring or link it in your post.

Later, return to the FORUM to read what your classmates think. Also, reply to 1-2 posts on articles you haven’t read.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES: Writing

Over the next few sessions, your teacher may ask you to write one of the following:

PERSONAL:

Blog: Imagine you have decided to change your usual eating habits to a vegan diet. Write a blog post describing your first week and your parents’ reaction to your decision.  (personal expression … semi-formal/informal – presenting a point of view, attractively)

PROFESSIONAL:

Report: Compile a report on the survey conducted by your team and draw conclusions (impersonal communication … formal/semi-formal – organised selection of relevant information + awareness of audience needs)

MEDIA:

Article (newspaper, magazine): Write an article for your school magazine encouraging students to take interest one of the alternative lifestyles you’ve read about.   (public expression … formal/semi-formal/informal – creating interest, selection of relevant information, audience awareness)

Public commentary (readers’ letters): Write a letter to the editor of one of the websites you’ve encountered promoting an alternative lifestyle and express your disapproval of that lifestyle. Include specific reasons why you object to it.   (public expression … formal/semi-formal – concise focus on point of view, selecting and presenting a case)

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