OER 3 Language and gender: learning and equality in participation

5.1 Facilitators – Activity 1

Comprehension and speaking practice


A. Listen together to a short news bulletin or a radio programme. After listening, review and practise any unfamiliar vocabulary or phrases. Then ask learners in pairs to rephrase it in their own words.

OR

B. Read out a short piece (news, public announcement, advertisement, short fiction or poem). Then have learners read it silently on their own. Here is an example that you could use:

Online ‘Digital Divide’ Leaves Girls Behind

A new report [2023 Girls and Mobile Report] suggests many girls across the world are not using the internet because of online abuse, discrimination or other issues.

The report was produced by a non-profit group called Girl Effect. The organization carries out research and programs aimed at linking young girls to education, useful products and technology. The effort was also supported by the Malala Fund, the United Nations Children’s agency UNICEF and the Vodafone Americas Foundation.

The report says many girls face numerous barriers to using the internet, especially on mobile devices. Girl Effect describes a situation on the internet that it says can favour boys over girls. It calls the situation a “digital divide.”

“The digital gender divide is real and is creating public spaces where women, especially girls, are being left behind,” said Girl Effect chief executive Jessica Posner Odede in a statement. She added that girls are often told they are “vulnerable, less competent, and unable to protect themselves online.”

The group’s report said these kinds of statements can reshape girls’ beliefs and opinions and prevent them from fully taking part in numerous online activities. This can severely limit the information they see and can block educational and job progress.

(Lynn, 2023)

  1. Discuss the topic, and any words or sentences that are confusing. Then model different words and phrases that have the same meanings, for example:

    A new report suggests…
    A report that is just published says…
    A non-profit group is reporting that…

  2. Have learners retell it using their own words – encourage confident speaking!

    You can vary this activity by asking learners to bring in something that they read out to the group.