≪今回のworkshop≫
参加人数:22名(うち新人の方:5名)
いつもE’s Clubでは、社会問題やキャリア観などについて議論したりしていますが、今回は Game night ! ということで、普段と違った取り組みとして、前半ではボードゲームを、後半ではフェルミ推定にトライしてみました。もちろんワークショップ中は英語を使用して、ワイワイ楽しく盛り上がりました!
最近は体験参加希望も多くいただいており、今回は心苦しいですが希望者多数で受付を途中で切り上げました。
ご興味のある方は、次回以降もお早めにご連絡をお待ちしています!!
(詳しいディスカッションの様子はInstagramへ 掲載)
≪FIRST HALF≫
Board Game English Session
This time, we are trying something a little different from our usual English conversation sessions.
Join us for a trial-style event where you can enjoy board games while communicating in English. Board games can be used not only for English practice, but also as icebreakers in business settings and opportunities to connect with others.
Participants will be divided into several tables, and each table will play a different game.
Organizers will support each table, so you can participate comfortably even if you are not confident about the game rules.
The detailed rules of each game will be explained at the table on the day. You do not need to learn the rules in advance.
(I know…yeah…”written explanations” can be confusing, but I bet, once you actually try it, you’ll understand it quickly!)
The best way to learn is by doing, so hands-on practice is important.
So don’t worry about trying to understand EVERYTHING from this explanation. Let’s enjoy figuring it out as we go.
<The Games>
#1 Eigo Dake(Eigodaake/ONLY IN ENGLISH)
In this game, you explain a word or idea using English only and try to make yourself understood. There’s a taboo word and direct translation is restricted.
You can use words you know, paraphrasing, and gestures. It is a fun way to experience explaining things in English and understanding other people’s explanations.
Most of the words are connected to Japanese culture, which may make the game challenging.
#2 Cat & Chocolate
In this game, you use the items on your cards to solve “difficult/challenging situations”.
You think about how you would solve or overcome a challenging situation and explain your idea.
But you must solve the situation using the cards you are dealt at random. Creative and unexpected ideas are highly welcomed.
#3 Headbanz
This may be the most language-learning-oriented game in this session.
You try to guess the word on your head without looking at it. You can’t see your own card but can see all the cards of others.
You ask the other players questions and gradually narrow down the answer. Only Yes-or-No questions are allowed.
#4 Insider
It’s fun to quietly deceive others, isn’t it?
In this game, everyone works together to guess a secret word. However, one player is the “insider” and already knows the answer.
The players ask the Master questions and try to find the answer.
At the end, they discuss who the insider might be. The game involves listening carefully, guessing what others are thinking, and interacting with the group.
* Depending on the number of participants and the schedule, it may not be possible to play all four games.
<ADDITIONAL>
Review Time After the Game
After playing the game, each table will have a short review session.
We may talk about:
– Something you wanted to say but could not express
– A more natural way to express an idea
– Something difficult or funny that happened during the game
– Expressions you would like to try next time
The goal is not to speak perfect English. It is to enjoy the games and discover expressions that can be used in real communication IN ENGLISH.
! When the session ends, each table will share a few of the most interesting or useful expressions they encountered, along with a brief explanation of the situation in which they were used.
* Please note that this is a trial event with a slightly different format from our usual sessions. Several organizers will support the individual tables, and the rules will be explained on the day.
≪LATTER HALF≫
Fermi Estimation Discussion
1. What Is Fermi Estimation?
Fermi estimation is a way to find a rough answer to a question when we do not have exact data. We do this by using our general knowledge and making reasonable guesses.
For example, think about this question: “How many cups of coffee do people in one city drink every day?”
We can break it down like this:
The population of the city
× The percentage of people who drink coffee
× The average number of cups per person per day
You do not need exact numbers to do a Fermi estimate. The important thing is to divide the question into smaller parts and make a reasonable guess for each part.
2. Why Is Fermi Estimation Useful?
The goal of Fermi estimation is not just to guess the right number. The important thing is to organize the information you have, make reasonable assumptions, and reach a logical answer.
By practicing Fermi estimation, you can learn how to think about problems step by step, make decisions with limited information, and explain your ideas clearly.
3. Basic Steps of Fermi Estimation
Step 1: Define the Question
First, decide clearly what to include and what not to include in your estimate. You should also decide the place, the time period, the unit, and other conditions.
For example, with the coffee question, you need to decide if drinks like café lattes are included. The material maker will give you some basic definitions on the day.
If you are not sure about something, please ask.
Step 2: Break the Question into Smaller Parts
Divide the main question into smaller parts that are easier to estimate. There is often more than one good way to do this.
Step 3: Make Assumptions
Use your general knowledge and your own experience to guess a number for each part.
Your guesses do not need to be perfect, but you should be able to explain why you chose each number.
Step 4: Calculate the Answer
Use your numbers to calculate the answer. You can round the numbers to make the calculation easier.
Write down your formula and your units. Make sure everyone in your group understands and agrees with the calculation.
Step 5: Check if the Answer Makes Sense
Finally, check if your answer is too big or too small.
For example, you can change the result into a number per person or per day. You can also try a different method and compare the two answers.
4. Discussion on the Day
We will give you the question on the day of the session. You will work in teams to find the answer.
You do not need to use difficult or perfect English. Share your ideas and your reasons, listen to your teammates, and work together to reach one answer.
5. Group Presentations
At the end of the session, each group will explain its estimate and its reasoning.
Please include the following points in your presentation as much as possible. Other members can help the presenter when needed.
– Your final answer
– How you defined the question
– How you divided the question and the formula you used
– Your main assumptions and the reasons for those numbers