- What is the Information Gap Technique?
The information gap technique is a language learning technique that focuses on creating a communication activity where each student possesses unique information that their partner(s) do not have. This creates a gap in knowledge, which motivates learners to communicate and exchange information in the target language to bridge that gap.
By simulating real-life situations like asking for directions, ordering food at a restaurant, or conducting interviews, info gap activities provide a meaningful context for language use, allowing learners to practice their language skills in authentic and relevant contexts.
Info gap activities also promote collaboration and build a sense of community in the classroom. Students work together in pairs or groups to solve problems or complete tasks, fostering teamwork and cooperation. This collaborative aspect not only enhances language learning but also develops important interpersonal skills.
These types of activities also bring an element of playfulness into the language classroom, transforming the learning experience into an engaging and interactive one.
They can be easily adapted to suit different proficiency levels, learner preferences, and language skills.
- Describe and Draw: One partner becomes the "describer" and the other partner becomes the "drawer." The describer verbally explains an object, scene, or concept to the drawer, who listens carefully and tries to draw it based on the description. This activity can be adapted to any topic or theme.
- Find Someone Who: Students move around the classroom and interact with their peers to find individuals who match certain characteristics or experiences listed on a sheet. When they find a match, they write down the person's name. The goal is to find as many different people as possible without repeating names, encouraging social interaction and information exchange.
- Spot the 7 Differences: Provide students with two nearly identical images that have slight differences, such as additional or missing elements. Working in pairs or small groups, students collaborate to identify and verbally describe the seven differences they spot.
- Guess the Picture: Student A reads a series of descriptive clues about a picture, while Student B examines a set of images. Student B needs to identify the correct image based on the clues provided by Student A. This activity can be customized to focus on various themes, such as food, artwork, landscapes, or fashion related to the target culture.
- Running Dictation: Divide students into pairs or small groups. One student from each group acts as the "runner" and reads a short passage posted on the wall. The runner then returns to their group and dictates the passage to their partner(s), who write it down.
- Complete the Text/Chart: Students receive two versions of a text or chart, each containing different information. Through asking and answering questions, they gather the missing information and complete their own version.
- True and False: Provide students with an infographic or visual representation of information. They are given cards with statements related to the infographic, and they examine it to determine whether each statement is true or false.
- Who am I: Each student is assigned the name of a famous person or character, which is kept secret. Students take turns asking yes/no questions to their classmates to gather clues and try to guess their assigned identity.
- Map Directions: Students practice giving and following directions using a map or a diagram. They take turns describing routes and locations in the target language, enhancing vocabulary related to directions, landmarks, and spatial relationships.
- 20 Questions: One student thinks of an object, animal, or thing and keeps it secret. Other students take turns asking yes/no questions to gather information and try to guess the mystery item within 20 questions.
