Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) · 1st Year

Active learning ideas

Critical Thinking and Media Influence

In an era of influencers and 'fake news,' critical thinking is a vital survival skill. This topic teaches 1st year students to analyze the media they consume, identifying stereotypes, bias, and the persuasive techniques used by advertisers and influencers. It aligns with the 'Aware' indicator, helping students understand how media shapes their self-image and choices.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA SPHE Specification Strand 2: Making Healthy Choices (2.5)
• Junior Cycle Wellbeing Indicator: Aware

• 20–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 40 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Ad Deconstruction

Groups are given a popular influencer post or advertisement. They must identify the 'target audience,' the 'hidden message,' and any 'filters' or 'editing' used to sell a lifestyle or product.

How do social media influencers affect our choices and self-image?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Simulation Game
• 30 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The Algorithm Game

Students act as 'algorithms' for their peers, choosing which 'posts' (on cards) to show them based on their previous 'likes.' They discuss how this creates an 'echo chamber' where they only see one side of a story.

What are stereotypes and how are they perpetuated online?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Spot the Stereotype

Students look at images from popular media and identify common stereotypes (e.g., gender, age). In pairs, they discuss how these stereotypes might affect how they feel about themselves or others.

How can we verify if online information is true?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Influencers are just sharing their real lives and giving honest advice.

  Students often view influencers as 'friends.' Through 'Ad Deconstruction,' they learn about paid partnerships and the curated nature of content, helping them see the commercial intent behind the posts.

• If a story is shared by lots of people on social media, it must be true.

  Many students confuse popularity with credibility. Using simulations of how 'fake news' spreads helps them understand the importance of fact-checking and using reliable sources.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Simulation Game
• Think-Pair-Share