images of heroes in different cultures Featured, Open
By: Yuewen Wang (University College London)
Topic(s): Heroes

Enduring Understanding:
Students will understand the different images of heroes from an intercultural perspective.
Students will break through the stereotypes of heroes.

Essential Question:
What kind of heroes do you know?
Do heroes only exist in a world of fantasy?

Hero stories have similarities and difference in diverse cultural backgrounds. The similarities of the structures of hero stories will let students realize that different ethnic groups have the similar logic in forming the image of hero, which shows that cultural values have commonalities in different ethnic groups. Heroes also exist in daily life, students themselves can realize their experiences in conquering past challenges could fit into the hero narration.


Novice High-CEFR A1/A2

What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA

Interpretive

Interpretative task
Students have words on flashcards from the video that depicts key stages of a hero’s journey (e.g. Assistance; Challenge; Departure; Trail; Approach; Crisis; Treasure; Result; Return; Resolution; Status Quo). Students need to put words in the correct order to complete a hero’s journey.

I can use correct words to depict different stages of a hero’s journey.


Interpersonal

In group of 3-4 students, they will share a hero story that they are familiar with which follow the stages that show in the video (e.g. what are challenges that he/she originally face? Who give him/her assistance? What treasure/ goal that he/she finally achieve?...)

I can narrate a hero story that I familiar in my own cultural background by using the words that I just learnt.


Presentational

Students need to present personal or their real friends/ family members’ stories by using the words that they have learnt from the video). After narrating the story, they will share their thoughts of these two questions:
Do you know of any hero tales whose structure differs from the one depicted in the video?
What similarities and differences did you learn from the stories of your peers?

I can create a daily life hero story with the consideration of the hero’s journey that I have learnt


Novice Low-CEFR Pre-A1

What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA

Interpretive

From the video, think of top 3 essential qualities that you believe a hero should have to conquer its journey and write the reasons down in one sentence for each quality.

I can get information and draw brief conclusion out of an authentic material.


Interpersonal

Switch your answers with your partner. If you have mutual or similar answers, compare your reasons. After that, discuss your thoughts behind ranking your top 3 qualities.

I can exchange opinions, negotiate and compromise with my fellow students.


Presentational

Students need to complete these sentences:
•Are all heroes ______?
•Do all heroes have to be _____?
Is there any stereotypes in the qualities you and your partner picked?Make a brief speech about the stereotypes of a hero in no more than 200 words.

I can develop critical thinking and public speaking competence.


Novice Low-CEFR Pre-A1

What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA

Interpretive

Watch Matthew Winkler's TED talk 'What makes a hero' and write down a summary of the main ideas. Write in your own words the development of the hero's path mentioned in the video and use this template to narrate the story of a hero you know.

I can write a hero's story by using the narrative sequence in the video.


Interpersonal

Form a small group of 3-4 students and discuss what heroism means to each of you. Share stories of heroic acts you have witnessed or read about from your own culture and other cultures. Discuss the similarities and differences in how heroism is perceived and valued across different cultures. Use the insights gained from the discussion to create a group definition of heroism that incorporates multiple perspectives.

I can work with my group to discover the definition of hero in different cultures.


Presentational

Create a multimedia presentation (e.g. video, podcast, poster, slideshow) that explores the concept of heroism, include examples from different cultures and regions, and how it can manifest in everyday life. Present the group's definition and examples to the class and explain the reasoning behind each choice.

I can create a multimedia work to showcase different kinds of heroism.


Student Work Samples
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