This semester I have to help teach another English course to a class of professionals in another learning institution. Today, during my class in which I have prepared a ton to slides to be shown on the screen, the unthinkable happened.
There was a blackout.
![I'm clearly in red I'm clearly in red](https://i0.wp.com/hishgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/outdoors-class-01.jpg?resize=600%2C337&ssl=1)
I’m clearly in red
So I took the class outdoors. Luckily there was a cafe right outside the class, which was closed on a Saturday.
![Forty's a crowd Forty's a crowd](https://i0.wp.com/hishgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/outdoors-class-02.jpg?resize=600%2C360&ssl=1)
Forty’s a crowd
The students helped me transport the whiteboard out to the corridor.
![A matrix of some sort A matrix of some sort](https://i0.wp.com/hishgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/outdoors-class-03.jpg?resize=600%2C360&ssl=1)
A matrix of some sort
I tried my best to think of an exercise they could do in groups which would compel them to do research, write then speak.
![Whiteboard becoming less white Whiteboard becoming less white](https://i0.wp.com/hishgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/outdoors-class-04.jpg?resize=600%2C360&ssl=1)
Whiteboard becoming less white
In the meantime, the exercise also helped in getting the students to form a proper persuasive essay structure.
![Presenting stuff Presenting stuff](https://i0.wp.com/hishgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/outdoors-class-05.jpg?resize=600%2C360&ssl=1)
Presenting stuff
One thing is certain: These folks, unlike my much younger regular students, had no hangups about public speaking.
![Nearly finished Almost done](https://i0.wp.com/hishgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/outdoors-class-06.jpg?resize=600%2C360&ssl=1)
Almost done
The topics I chose for the exercise correlated to the topics in the course module.
Finally they were finished! Mission accomplished, and without any electrical power.