Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Sociology
Lesson Topic: The impact of the media on behaviour
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key sociological theories that explain media effects on behaviour.
  • Analyse empirical evidence linking media exposure to specific behavioural outcomes.
  • Evaluate strengths and limitations of research methods used in media‑effects studies.
  • Apply a theoretical framework to a real‑world media case study.
  • Construct a balanced argument about the impact of media on audience behaviour.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides summarising theories
  • Handout of theory table
  • Case‑study worksheet
  • Video clips (e.g., viral challenge, news segment)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Assessment rubrics / exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a short clip of a recent viral challenge and ask students what motivated its spread. Prompt recall of previous lessons on media representation and audience. Outline success criteria: students will identify theoretical lenses, cite evidence, and critically evaluate research.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write a quick response to the prompt about why they share media content (check understanding).
  2. Mini‑lecture (15'): Overview of key theories (Cultivation, Social Learning, Agenda‑Setting, Framing, Uses & Gratifications) with slide visuals.
  3. Evidence gallery walk (10'): Groups examine summary cards of empirical studies (violence, health, politics, gender) and note behavioural impacts.
  4. Case‑study analysis (15'): In pairs, apply a chosen theory to a provided media case using the 6‑step framework; teacher circulates.
  5. Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups present findings; class discusses strengths/limitations of the evidence.
  6. Formative quiz (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence predicting a behavioural outcome of a new media trend and the theory behind it.
Conclusion:
Summarise how different theories explain media’s behavioural influence and the importance of critical evaluation. Collect exit tickets as retrieval practice. Assign homework: write a 300‑word critique of a recent advertisement using one of the discussed theories.