Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Politics and Power

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The objectives stage is vital for guiding students' focus on applying the concepts they have studied. By setting clear and specific objectives, students can appreciate the topic's relevance and its practical implications in the real world. This clarity helps to make the best use of classroom time, allowing students to apply, discuss, and deepen their understanding in a focused manner.

Objective Utama:

1. Analyze how power is constructed and its interaction with politics, emphasizing its influence on the dynamics of political authority.

2. Develop the skill to distinguish between various forms of power and how they are practically applied within the political arena.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Encourage critical thinking regarding power dynamics present in today's society.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction aims to connect students with prior knowledge through problem situations that promote the practical application of theoretical concepts about politics and power. Moreover, it strives to illustrate the topic's relevance in current scenarios, sparking students' interest and curiosity about how these concepts operate in today's environment.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Consider a situation where a group of students from your school decides to rally against inadequate funding in education. What strategies could they employ to persuade local authorities to amend their policies?

2. Imagine a popular Bollywood star opting to run for a political position. How could their fame and influence in the entertainment industry impact their campaign and their eventual tenure in office, reflecting the concept of 'power'?

Contextualization

Politics and power go beyond just what is discussed in classrooms; they are woven into our everyday experiences. For example, how government policies shape the economy or how social media platforms sway public opinion are prime examples of the ongoing interaction between political and social power. Historical events like the Indian independence movement or the Emergency period in India also exemplify how shifts in political power can redefine history.

Development

Duration: (75 - 80 minutes)

The development stage is meant to let students actively and interactively apply the politics and power concepts they have learned. Activities like classifying power types, simulating elections, and dramatizing conflicts offer students a deeper insight into the mechanics of power and its political implications while honing their critical and analytical skills. This not only reinforces theoretical understanding but also fosters teamwork and argumentation skills.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - The Political Power Wheel

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand and categorize different forms of political power and their interrelations.

- Description: In this activity, students will work in groups of up to 5. Each group will receive cards representing various types of political power (e.g., economic, military, media, moral). Their task will be to categorize these powers in a 'power wheel,' where the most central power is deemed the most influential in contemporary politics and the ones on the outer rim are less so.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups, keeping each group to a maximum of 5 students.

• Hand out the power cards to each group.

• Explain that each card signifies a distinct type of political power.

• Encourage groups to discuss the power hierarchy using the provided power wheel.

• Each group must justify the placement of each type of power in the wheel, using real-life examples or hypothetical scenarios.

• Finally, each group will present their power wheel and explain their reasoning to the class.

Activity 2 - Classroom Election Simulation

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore how various forms of power impact the election process.

- Description: Students will simulate an election for a school role, such as class representative. Each group will embody a different candidate and develop their political platform based on various power types (e.g., economic, media, social influence). After campaigning, the class will cast votes and discuss the outcomes.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 students, each portraying a candidate.

• Each group must select a type of power as the foundation for their campaign (economic, media, etc.).

• Groups will have time to prepare their campaign materials, including slogans, posters, and speeches.

• Conduct the campaign in class, allowing each group to showcase their platform and respond to questions from the 'voters.'

• Organize an anonymous voting process and announce the winning candidate.

• Discuss with the class how various power types influenced the campaign and the resulting vote.

Activity 3 - Dramatization of Political Conflicts

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Examine how different forms of power are employed in conflicts and the impact of their negotiations.

- Description: Students, divided into groups, will choose a real or hypothetical political conflict to act out. Each group will portray different actors in this conflict, applying the power concepts studied to negotiate and perhaps resolve the conflict peacefully.

- Instructions:

• Split the class into groups of up to 5 students and assign each a political conflict.

• Groups should investigate and prepare their roles, including motivations and the types of power they represent.

• Conduct the dramatization in class, allowing each group to present its position and negotiate with others.

• Lead a discussion after the dramatizations, reflecting on how power was utilized in the conflict and potential resolutions.

• Ask each group to write a brief report on their learnings from the activity.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This feedback stage is essential for solidifying students' learning and facilitating a collective reflection on the activities. By discussing in groups, students get the chance to articulate and exchange their perspectives, which aids in clarifying doubts and deepening comprehension. This dialogue also builds communication and argumentative skills, crucial for a nuanced understanding of political concepts.

Group Discussion

At the end of the activities, gather all students for a comprehensive group discussion. Start with a brief introduction: 'Having explored different aspects of political power, let’s come together to share our observations and reflections. Each group will present a summary of their discussions and learning from the activities.' Encourage students to think critically about how concepts from the activities reflect real-life power dynamics and politics.

Key Questions

1. What were the most impactful types of power in the activities, and why?

2. How does awareness of different power types enhance your analysis of real political events?

3. How did the activities alter or reinforce your understanding of political power?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The conclusion stage aims to consolidate learning, interlinking practical activities with theoretical studies while underscoring the importance of the topic. This final reflection helps students synthesize their acquired knowledge and recognize its application in daily life, preparing them for a more critical and engaged comprehension of power dynamics in society.

Summary

In this concluding stage, the teacher should recap the key points covered regarding the construction of the concept of power and its interaction with politics, emphasizing the types of power discussed and their real-world applications. It's imperative to revisit the definitions and hierarchies established to ensure that students grasp and retain these concepts.

Theory Connection

Today’s lesson was designed to link theory with hands-on practice in the classroom. Through activities like the 'Political Power Wheel,' 'Classroom Election Simulation,' and 'Dramatization of Political Conflicts,' students actively applied theoretical concepts to tangible scenarios, facilitating a richer and more contextual understanding of political power.

Closing

Ultimately, emphasizing the relevance of understanding politics and power is crucial for students' lives. Grasping these concepts not only broadens their academic horizons but also equips them to be informed and engaged citizens, capable of critically analyzing the world around them and participating meaningfully in society.