Lesson 7 - Icebreakers

A good icebreaker can be a fun and stimulating way for you to get to know your students and for them to mix with each other.

What is an Icebreaker?

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines an icebreaker as
"a game or activity that is used to introduce people to each other so that they feel more relaxed together" - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/ice-breaker

Read the following articles on Icebreakers

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-an-ice-breaker-1918156

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_76.htm


Here are some other links to get ideas for an icebreaker.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-ice-breakers-1918426

https://icebreakerideas.com/quick-icebreakers/

https://insight.typepad.co.uk/40_icebreakers_for_small_groups.pdf

https://www.icebreakers.ws/classroom-icebreakers

https://www.mentimeter.com/blog/audience-energizers/ready-to-use-icebreaker-templates-for-every-occasion

Class Activity

Think about one of the units that you are designing (VET or non-accredited)

Find an appropriate Icebreaker activity for your first lesson for each of the following cohorts:

• A group of mature age students (similar to the class demographic)
• A group of teenagers
• Students who are EAL (English as an additional language)

Explain the Icebreaker(s) selected and try one out on the class!

Assessments

Completing your Assessment Guide for Portfolio 1

If you need more information on Assessments, refer to the notes from Lesson 5. Here is a reminder of the types of assessments that you can use.

Generally, if it is a hands on task, Observation would be the most obvious method of assessment. For the theory component you could use a report (product based method) or Questioning. Look for the key words from the Assessment Requirements document.

Assessment Guide Template

Assessment # - Assessment Title
UNIT/S OF COMPETENCY – Code		UNIT CODE		Title	UNIT TITLE
Description of the Assessment task: Describe what the assessment is - if you are using a simulated workplace, give details. If it is a scenario, Give details. If you want students to answer questions, provide a summary and list the questions in the assessment details section. Example 1: You are to use your knowledge and research skills to respond to the following questions. Please make sure that you include references and/or links to back up your responses. Example 2: You are the WHS representative for Mysty River Regional Library Service (MRRLS). As part of your role, you need to consult with staff and conduct regular safety audits.
During the activity, the student is required to satisfactorily demonstrate required skills though completion of the observable task/s.
Assessment Details			Assessment Criteria					MR	FER
1. This will be used to provide exact details of the assessment. .			This is used to provide the specific areas that the students need to cover
If it is questions, use this section to write your questions			If the assessment is questions, you can just put here: Write your answer here (200 words) Include references
If it is a report, include the topics that need to be covered.
Example Q1 What is the AQF? What is its purpose?			Answer to be around 200 words
			Include any references or links
Example 2. Explain the requirements for consultation based on the WHS legislation?			Include relevant Legislation Details
			Include relevant Regulation Details
			Include specific Code of practice information
Assessor note: Please ensure all above criteria have been met to a satisfactory standard. Where not, additional evidence must be obtained and recorded to meet assessment criteria.  All additional evidence must be clearly documented.
Assessor Name
Assessor Signature						Date
Assessment Task Result (Please tick appropriate Assessment Result)						MR ☐                FER ☐

N.B. The Assessment Guide is handed out to students - it needs to be written in plain English so that students can very clearly understand what they need to do to successfully complete the assessment task. You do not want to give them the answers - just topics or areas that they need to concentrate on. Getting the balance between providing instructions and giving away too much information can be challenging. Use the guides that have been provided by your teachers for other units if you need to get ideas or inspiration!