This I typically assign as homework the first day of class. I show examples from previous student work, and encourage them to be as creative as they want. The second day of class they get in groups of four and try to mix the nationalities as best I can, and they share their personal shields with each other. The noise level always increases immediately. After they have time to get acquainted with this new material, I ask for comments about the experience. I also assign them to write a one page introduction of themselves along with this activity, so by the end of the second day I have a lot of new interesting material to learn about my new students.
