Traffic Light Trainer™

Three Rounds of Communication

Partners

Each of the three Traffic Light Trainer™ rounds starts with each student finding a new partner. Working with three different partners keeps the interactions new and interesting.

Speeches

Round one speech: the first speech is where students can look at their books and read them to their partner.  

Round two speech: this is an important bridge. Students are allowed to check their notes up to three times during their speech. This moves students from reading to communicating.

Round three speech: students present their speeches with their books closed. The goal isn't to remember exactly what was written, but to communicate their key ideas.

Feedback

In the second half of the textbook, partners give feedback on the speeches. This includes making comments, or asking questions,  or agreeing and disagreeing, or making suggestions.

Reflection

Students reflect and decide what parts of their speech needs to be strengthened. Was the talk long enough? Was it fast enough? Did their partner understand it?

Preparation

After reflecting, students spend a few minutes making changes to their speeches. This is also the time for them to review their speech so they become less dependent on their notes for communication.