Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Sociology
Lesson Topic: Different models of media effects
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the core premise of each major media effects model.
  • Compare the strengths and limitations of the models.
  • Analyse how contemporary digital media influence the relevance of each model.
  • Apply a chosen model to a real‑world media example.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides summarising each model
  • Handout with comparative summary table
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sticky notes for group activity
  • Access to short video clips illustrating media effects
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Which media message have you noticed influencing your opinion this week?” Connect this to prior learning on media influence and outline that today’s success criteria are to identify, compare, and apply different media effects models.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – poll results and brief whole‑class discussion.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – teacher presents the eight models using slides.
  3. Group analysis (20’) – each group receives a model handout, notes strengths/limitations, and creates a real‑world example on sticky notes.
  4. Whole‑class comparison (10’) – groups share findings; teacher completes comparative table on board.
  5. Check for understanding (5’) – quick Kahoot quiz on key concepts.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the models progress from passive to active audience perspectives. Ask students to write one sentence on an exit ticket describing which model they find most useful for analysing social media. Assign homework to locate a current news article and briefly apply a chosen model to it.