Media mind control

Some research studies indicate that the common portrayal of violence on television has desensitized children towards it. The purpose of this lesson is to help students redevelop their sensitivity towards violence and develop a critical attitude towards the purpose of violence in television.

A lesson plan for grades 6–8 Guidance

By Linda Nelson

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Learning outcomes

Using current television shows or movies that are popular with teens, students will critique the programs for the messages they convey. This will be done by an analysis of content violence and portrayal of the main characters. The class will select one program or movie for which they will write an alternative ending so that a positive character trait is portrayed.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2 and a half hours

Materials/resources

Students will need access to a television in their homes.

Each student will need a log sheet for analysis and a set of questions, which will aid them in analyzing the material.

Technology resources

No technology resources will be needed, but computers with Internet access for additional research could be helpful (see Relevant Web Sites).

Pre-activities

As part of their character education studies on respect, students should have previously been introduced to the subject of violence and its effect on people’s lives.

Activities

1. Take a class poll of students’ favorite TV programs and develop a list of the five top favorites.
2. Divide the class into five teams and assign each team one program to analyze (see the log sheet and questions for analyzing the characters as they are portrayed).
3. Have each group present their findings to the class.
4. For each program presented, have a class discussion of the character message portrayed.
5. Have the class choose one of the selected programs that portrayed violence. They rewrite the story, eliminating the violence, and constructing an ending that portrays a good character trait.

Assessment

As the groups are presenting their analysis of the program to the class, students and teachers will have the opportunity to ask questions and initiate discussions. This should accentuate each student’s awareness of violence and its effect on lives.

At the completion of the presentations, each student will choose one of the programs reviewed and individually rewrite the story so that it depicts a positive character trait. This should be an indication of each student’s heightened awareness of the negative impact of violence.

Supplemental information

Each student in the class should receive copies of the log sheet and questions before they complete their analysis of the program assigned to them. The log sheet attachment is in Excel format.

The groups should compile the individual results and produce a single analysis.

Comments

This lesson could be integrated into the language arts class, social studies class, or Advisor-Advisee groups. Additionally, it can be adapted to teach any of the character traits by changing the focus of the analysis.