Ready to have your students not just engaged, but totally hooked on learning? It's time to dive into the exciting world of teaching media literacy, critical thinking, and persuasive techniques – the secret sauce that transforms your classroom into a hub of fun-fueled skill-building!
That seems like a HUGE promise, I know, but teaching these concepts can really increase buy-in from the most reluctant student. It's Danielle from Nouvelle ELA here, and I'm thrilled to talk about persuasive techniques today.
Students as Myth-Busters
Imagine your students as media wizards, armed with wands (or smartphones) to conquer the digital realm. Teaching media literacy is like giving them magical powers.
Media literacy is all about how to navigate the jungle of information, debunk myths, and identify trustworthy sources. With this power, they'll browse print and digital sources with confidence and ease.
Students as Puzzle Masters
Who doesn't love a good puzzle? With daily critical thinking practice, your students get that puzzly-goodness. Challenge them to question, analyze, and piece together information from different angles. It's like solving brain-teasers, but with real-world impact.
How can you achieve this? I use Persuasive Techniques Bell Ringers.
Each day of our persuasive techniques and media literacy unit, students do a bell ringer. Sometimes, they’re straightforward: “Identify the persuasive technique used in this ad.” While sometimes, they’re creative: “Using this image, create an ad for an imaginary company.”
Grab your free sample of these bell ringers here.
Students as… Jedi?
What if you could teach your students how to use Jedi mind tricks? Almost there – we're talking about persuasive techniques! Show them how advertisers, politicians, and even friends use these tricks. They'll learn to see through the smoke and mirrors, understand the art of persuasion, and wield it themselves – not for evil, of course, but for well-argued essays and convincing presentations.
You may also like:
6 Ideas for Teaching Media Literacy
Students as Performers
Imagine your classroom turning into a stage, with each student performing their best. That's what happens when you introduce media literacy, critical thinking, and persuasive techniques. Suddenly, learning isn't just about textbooks; it's a dynamic show where students express their thoughts, engage with the world, and challenge ideas like never before.
I’ve had students absolutely transform when they get to create commercials, logos, and slogans.
Students come up with silly products or super ingenious ones, and whichever way they go, they have a great time. I also use this unit to practice presentation skills and peer review, and students perform every mini-project for another pair or small group.
Students as Active Participants
Prepare for a never-ending cascade of "whys" when you teach persuasive techniques! Students will start asking why things are the way they are, and that's when the real fun begins. They'll dig deep, analyze motives, and understand the world through a new lens. Plus, they'll realize that they're not just passive consumers – they're active participants in shaping opinions!
A student favorite is this set of Ad Analysis slides.
Each slide features an ad utilizing a different technique, so it’s great practice. However, I’ve had students totally take off after seeing these, ready to design their own ads as a quiz for their classmates.
Students as Confident Communicators
Imagine your students as rockets, fueled by media literacy, critical thinking, and persuasive techniques, launching into the future. These skills aren't just for tests; they're life-boosters. Your students will become savvy decision-makers, confident communicators, and empowered individuals ready to tackle whatever comes their way.
Be sure to check out my complete 3-week Persuasive Techniques and Media Literacy Unit. It’s truly a memorable time of year.
So, get ready to watch your classroom transform into a dynamic arena of learning excitement. When you’re teaching media literacy, critical thinking, and persuasive techniques, you'll be crafting an educational adventure that's upbeat, engaging, and skill-building in the most fantastic way. Your students will thank you for the ride of a lifetime – let the learning party begin.
Happy teaching!
-Danielle
More from the Coffee Shop teachers:
