Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Sociology → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Sociology
Lesson Topic: Education and social mobility
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key sociological concepts related to education and social mobility (social stratification, meritocracy, cultural capital).
  • Compare functionalist, Marxist, and Weberian perspectives on how education influences mobility.
  • Analyse empirical evidence on the extent of upward mobility in the UK education system.
  • Evaluate policy measures aimed at reducing educational inequality.
  • Apply the concept of social closure to real‑world examples of school admissions.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
  • Printed handout summarising theoretical perspectives
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Laptop with internet access for data examples (OECD PISA charts)
  • Sticky notes for group activity
  • Exit ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Do you think your education determines your future job?” Discuss students’ prior experiences and link to the concept of social mobility. Outline today’s success criteria: identify major theories, interpret evidence, and propose policy solutions.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students answer the poll question on sticky notes and share responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – present key concepts and the three theoretical perspectives using slides.
  3. Group analysis (20’) – each group examines a case study (e.g., selective school data) and maps arguments to functionalist, Marxist, and Weberian views; complete a worksheet.
  4. Whole‑class discussion (10’) – groups present findings; teacher highlights critiques.
  5. Policy brainstorm (10’) – students suggest reforms to improve mobility; record ideas on the board.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – quick quiz (Kahoot or exit ticket) on definitions and theory comparisons.
Conclusion:
Summarise how education can both enable and constrain mobility, referencing the three perspectives discussed. Ask students to complete an exit ticket stating one policy they think would most improve upward mobility. Assign homework: write a 300‑word essay evaluating a recent education policy in terms of its impact on social mobility.