TASKs for democracy

Activity 12
A taxi ride
DESCRIPTION
Original activity contributed by Robert Etlinger and Silvia Jindra
Focus: this lively activity demonstrates how we have to adjust our concepts and opinions (adjust our “interior
map”) in order to communicate and co-operate sensibly, reduce misunderstandings and reach common goals.
In this activity the differences in our minds are made obvious with the help of a game, which can easily be
adapted to classroom use.
Target group: pre-/in-service teachers of age groups 10-14/14-18/adult learners
Expected learning outcomes:
A_COOP_2 Willingness to work together with others and become actively involved
A_SELF_5 Readiness to strive for mutual understanding and meaningful dialogue
S_COOP_3 Aptitude to evaluate situations and issues to look for solutions with all parties involved
S_EPIST_1 Aptitude to cope with complex issues and avoid one-dimensional answers
S_SELF_1 Capacity to face the challenge of doubt and uncertainty
Type of activity: Core/main activity
PROCEDURE
Introduction
Introduce the activity by saying, “Someone wants to pay a visit to a friend or colleague who lives in a housing
area. He or she gets into a taxi. The taxi driver and the taxi control centre have to help this person reach his
or her destination.”
Step 1 (pair work – 15 minutes)
1. Participants form pairs. For each pair you will need two chairs, put together so that the participants are
sitting back-to-back (they are not allowed to face each other). One of the participants takes the role of
the taxi driver, and the other one takes the role of someone in the taxi control centre. Both of them get
a map (the maps are mirror images but the participants do not know this). The position of the taxi is
marked on the taxi driver’s map. On the map of the taxi control centre the taxi driver’s position as well
as his destination (the housing area) are marked.
2. The man/woman in the taxi control centre must guide the taxi driver to his destination, the housing
estate. Between the two participants (the taxi driver and taxi control centre) there must not be any eye
contact and they are not allowed to see each other’s map either. Only oral communication is possible.
3. In the course of the game the partners will realise that their maps do not match. Encourage them
to try to adapt their respective maps to the map of the partner so that they succeed in finding the
right route. To reach this goal they must ask questions, listen to their partner and communicate in an
appropriate way.
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