Active learning ideas
Advertising is an omnipresent force in modern life, and this topic teaches students to look at it with a critical eye. Students analyze how marketing techniques influence their choices, emotions, and even their self-image. By evaluating different mediums, from traditional TV ads to social media influencers, students learn to identify the strategies businesses use to create demand. This aligns with Learning Outcomes 1.6 and 2.7.
Activity 01
Display various print and digital advertisements around the room. Students move in groups to identify the target audience, the 'hook' (e.g., humor, fear, celebrity), and any potential misleading claims in each ad.
How does advertising influence what we buy?
Activity 02
Students are given a mundane object (e.g., a paperclip) and must create a 60-second 'unboxing' or 'review' script that uses specific marketing techniques to make it seem essential. The class votes on which pitch was most persuasive and why.
What are common marketing techniques used by businesses?
Activity 03
Students discuss where they have seen 'stealth' advertising, such as product placement in movies or sponsored content on TikTok. They share their findings and discuss whether these methods are fairer or more deceptive than traditional ads.
How can we identify misleading advertisements?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
I am not affected by advertising.
Many teenagers believe they are immune to marketing. Using a 'brand audit' where students list the brands they are wearing or using helps them see the subtle, cumulative power of brand recognition and social proof.
Advertisers can say whatever they want to sell a product.
Students may not realize that advertising is regulated. Discussing the ASAI (Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland) and looking at real cases of banned ads helps them understand that ads must be legal, decent, honest, and truthful.
Methods used in this brief
The Informed Consumer
Exploring consumer rights, responsibilities, and how to make informed, ethical purchasing decisions. Students discuss the balance between price, quality, and sustainability.
8 methodologies
Consumer Protection
Investigating the agencies and laws that protect consumers in Ireland, such as the CCPC. Students learn the practical steps of seeking redress and writing a letter of complaint.
8 methodologies