Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Media Studies
Lesson Topic: Technical elements
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify and apply key camera shots, movements and composition rules.
  • Explain how lighting setups influence mood and narrative.
  • Demonstrate correct microphone selection and sound‑design techniques.
  • Construct a short edited sequence using continuity, colour grading and basic graphics.
  • Evaluate technical choices against specification requirements.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • HD video camera or smartphone with manual controls
  • Tripod and basic lighting kit (key, fill, backlight)
  • Assorted microphones (lavaliere, shotgun)
  • Computer with non‑linear editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere)
  • Sample footage and audio clips
  • Handouts of shot types and lighting diagrams
Introduction:
Begin with a short montage showcasing contrasting camera, lighting and sound techniques to spark curiosity. Ask students to recall recent media they’ve watched and note how technical choices shaped the story. Explain that today they will explore core technical elements and will be assessed on their ability to apply and critique these techniques.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students list three technical elements they noticed in a clip.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15') – Overview of camera work, framing and movement with examples.
  3. Hands‑on camera & lighting demo (20') – Small groups set up three‑point lighting and shoot a 10‑second shot applying composition rules.
  4. Sound workshop (15') – Demonstrate microphone placement and record dialogue, discuss levels.
  5. Editing sprint (25') – Groups import footage, apply continuity cuts, basic colour correction and add lower‑third graphic.
  6. Reflection & peer feedback (10') – Teams critique each other's technical decisions using a checklist.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each technical decision contributed to meaning in the final clips. Students complete an exit ticket noting one technique they will improve in future work. Assign homework to storyboard a 30‑second piece incorporating at least three of today’s technical elements.