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STIC - Automotive: Workplace (Module 1)

Taking an OrderLesson Plan from a Customer to Clients (Topic 1)

Content

The terminology in this lesson will be presented and practised within a functional language context: asking for clarification.

Delivery

Make as many copies as necessary of the following handouts Download this section below:

  • Introductory Handout 1 and 2
  • Handout 1 - Pre-task 1
  • Handout 2 - Strategies for asking for repetition and clarification
  • Handout 3 - Conversation 1 (two pages)
  • Handout 4 - Synonyms Exercise
  • Handout 5 - Order Form
  • Handout 6 - Situations
  • Handout 7 - Conversation 2
  • Handout 8 - Task 4 - Vehicles and codes
  • Terminology List (Optional)

Other materials needed: copies of The Yellow Pages, (latest version) for all (or pairs) of participants.

Methodology

Course Introduction

1. (10 minutes)

Because this is the first class of the terminology workshop, participants may have some pre-conceived ideas and expectations about learning new vocabulary. For example, they may assume that a large portion of class time may be spent looking words up in the dictionary. It is a good idea to go around the class and ask each participant what he/she expects from the course. Then it is important to make participants aware of how the course will be delivered and about the role of terminology within a task-based curriculum. Also, make sure participants understand that their participation and involvement is critical to the success of the workshop. They are, after all, the experts. Distribute Introductory Handouts 1 and 2 for the participants to read.

In addition, it is important to note the term AST (Automotive Service Technician) will be used throughout the curriculum instead of the term the participants will most likely be familiar with: mechanic. This change reflects the fact that mechanics now have the added responsibility of working with a computerized diagnostic system. As a result their role has expanded to include the duties of a technician.

Introduction

(5 minutes)

1. Ask ASTs how many actually took orders from customers in their previous workplaces. Make them aware of the importance of, especially those working in a smaller shop, taking orders from customers. Therefore it is important that they know the questions to ask to record that information accurately. Encourage participants to volunteer in class because communication cannot be learned through reading and listening only. Tell the participants that there will be many opportunities throughout the course for them to put into practice what they learn. Those participants who volunteer in class will benefit the most because they will actually be using the skills they need on-the-job.

Pre-Tasks

(45 minutes)

1. Ask two participants to volunteer for a role-play. Have them turn their backs to one another to simulate a telephone conversation between a customer with car trouble and an AST. Then distribute Handout 1 to partner A (the customer) and instruct him to 'phone' the AST. As they are role-playing, write what they are saying in the form of a dialogue on the board.

2. Correct the conversation on the board so that it is grammatically correct. For example, if the AST says, "What year your car is?," elicit the correct word order from the class. If no one knows, present the grammatical formula for word order using question words, along with several examples on the board until the class understands. Likewise, if the AST says the customer's name wrong or gets one of the digits in the phone number wrong, correct with class. Then distribute Handout 2 to go over with the class strategies for politely asking for repetition and clarification.

3. (45 minutes)

Select two participants to role-play Conversation 1 (Handout 3). Record on paper or cassette what they are saying.

  • Assign Handout 4 to participants and ask them to do the synonyms exercise to help them expand their choice of phrases. Correct as a class.
  • A dictation in order to practise listening and writing may be part of the pre-tasks for this topic. Dictate these names:
    • Toyota Corolla
    • Jeep Cherokee
    • Mercedes-Benz
    • Chevrolet Corvette
    • Mitsubishi
    • Chrysler
    • Oldsmobile
    • Hyundi Isuzu Volkswagon
    • Cabriolet

Pronunciation of these terms may also be practised.

Task

(30 minutes)

1. Distribute the order form (Handout 5) and the situations on Handout 6 to the class. Put the participants into pairs and ask them to each practise getting information and writing it on the order form. After they've had time to practise, select a volunteer pair to "perform" the role-play for the class to critique.

Post Task

(20 minutes)

1. Elicit from the class where to look in the Yellow Pages for auto parts suppliers and write their answers on the board.

2. Distribute copies of Handout 7 and have a volunteer pair read aloud. Distribute copies of the Terminology List and go over vocabulary in bold with participants making sure they understand the terminology and idioms.

3. As an out-of-class post task, ask participants to go through their Yellow Pages at home and make a list of suppliers to call. Distribute copies of Handout 8 and have them phone the suppliers they have listed to get the prices for the auto parts in the handout. (Make sure participants have time to do this assignment during business hours.)

4. After, have a class discussion to compare the prices and stock availability participants found in their research.

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Workplace: Topic 1 [140 KB, 19 pages]

 

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