Teacher's Notes

George Bernard Shaw, Pygmalion

Time: undefined - it depends on the teaching mode, the students, the teacher, the time available, the distribution of school- and homework...
            Students will at least have to do the reading at home, but they can do a lot more.

Aims (there are many, but they coincide):

Students will...
  • read a drama in a foreign language (G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion)

  • revise their general knowledge on languages

  • understand the internal structure of the play/how the story develops through time

  • understand and develop the idea of the play

  • follow the development of Eliza's linguistic competences (grammar, pronunciation, register...)

  • understand the differences between colloquial and formal language (register)

  • understand the concept of phonetics

  • grasp the idea of the importance of education

  • learn about G. B. Shaw, his work and ideas

  • learn to take notes while reading

  • get acquainted with the real setting of Pygmalion (Covent Garden, London)

  • report about their individual work (reading, gathering information, etc.)

  • discuss and compare the characters and their relation(s)

  • enjoy reading authentic English literature

  • react emotionally to the contents

  • discuss basic physics in English (sound)

  • state their personal attitude to literature

  • (watch a video - My Fair Lady)

  • (find differences between Shaw's play and the musical)

  • (discuss differences between literature and film generally)

Skills practiced:    reading
                               writing (taking notes, using graphic organisers, writing reports, essays...)
                               listening
                              speaking

Advice: Use the prepared sites in class or as a homework assignment.
              The handouts will make work easier for your students.

Further reading: http://pd.sparknotes.com/lit/pygmalion/

                                  http://www.nobel.se/literature/laureates/1925/shaw-bio.html

                                  http://ph.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0844752.html

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
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