HSC Continuers Oral Examination Ideas for effective preparation and practice.

A Little Bit About Me Completed my HSC in 2011. Currently in my final year of B. Sci/LLB at UNSW Tutoring HSC Hindi since 2012 at GVLAS Assisting primarily with the Oral Examination component My discussion topic: Child Soldiers- A Children's Rights Crisis

Goal and Objective of the Oral Component HSC Hindi Syllabus Objective 1: Exchange information, opinions, and experiences in Hindi 1.1 uses a range of strategies to maintain communication 1.2 conveys information appropriate to context, purpose and audience 1.3 exchanges and justifies opinions and ideas on known topics 1.4 reflects on aspects of past, present and future experience Objective 4: Understand aspects of the language and culture of Hindi-speaking communities 4.1 recognises and employs language appropriate to different social contexts 4.2 identifies values, attitudes and beliefs of cultural significance 4.3 reflects upon significant aspects of language and culture

Challenge 1: Picking a Topic Picking a topic is difficult! Emphasise to the student that they need to start somewhere, anywhere is fine. Start early in the Preliminary Course. Introduce the table of Themes and Topics: Ensure students have a copy. DON’T: Prepare a rote learned topic littered with factual information from Google searches. Anyone can do that. DO: Focus on originality, critical thinking and a point of view on the topic!

Challenge 1: Picking a Topic Pick something that interests you: It’s easy to talk about something that interests you. Example from my students included: Indian Classical Music, Human Rights, Social and Political Rights, Current Affairs, Sports etc. Encourage consideration of topics from other HSC Subjects. E.g. Child Soldiers was a research assignment topic I had for Legal Studies. For students still struggling, assessment tasks with assigned topics based on the Syllabus/Current Affairs may be helpful. Once they have settled on a topic:

Challenge 2: Public Speaking The most difficult aspect of oral examination (in my opinion) The best solution: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and more PRACTICE Get students to present their topics to their class, or another class GET CREATIVE: Allow students to explore and present in their own style: PowerPoint, Speeches, Props and Dramatics MAKE IT INTERACTIVE: Allow for audience to interview the speaker Helps identify gaps in student’s research Assists in NARROWING THE TOPIC

Challenge 3: Narrowing the Scope of the Discussion Topic Students should have a focused discussion topic by the start of Year 12. A broad topic area means large volumes of research, gaps in research and lack of depth in understanding: confusion and panic! FOCUS ON A PARTICULAR DIMESION IS CRUCIAL Deep understanding of their chosen topic, and control the flow of the discussion.

Challenge 3: Narrowing the Scope of the Discussion Topic Take a Stance: Students must be encouraged to form and argue a perspective on their topic. What is your purpose for picking this topic? What do you want to achieve? Do you agree/disagree with current thinkers? Why? Consider the relations between chosen topic and other themes and topics that have been explored in lessons. E.g. 1: Indian Classical Music is a very broad topic My student’s focus: challenges associated with learning music in Australia and links to cultural identity. E.g. 2: Torture camps in Yemen: purpose was to raise awareness of a human right crisis- you can’t solve a problem you aren’t aware of.

Recommendation for Teachers Get your students thinking of a topic as soon as possible Guide students to follow passions and topics that interest them: encourage following news and current affairs Take advantage of small class groups: frequent interactive discussions and debates to refine conversation skills Constructive feedback is key: highlight strong points and suggest improvements. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: for schools with multiple Level 5/6 teachers, arrange for students to discuss with other class teachers. Encourage creativity, uniqueness, critical thinking and being opinionated!

Good Luck and Thank You 