Lesson Plan | Teachy Methodology | Enlightenment: Review
Keywords | Enlightenment, Revolution, Critical Thinking, History, Philosophy, Social Media, Gamification, Collaboration, Creativity, Digital Tools, Active Learning, Engagement, Influential Historians |
Required Materials | Cell phones with internet access, Computers or tablets, Digital design tools (e.g., Canva), Social media apps (e.g., Instagram, TikTok), Gamification platforms (e.g., Kahoot, Quizizz), Google Docs, Note-taking materials (paper and pen or note-taking apps) |
Objectives
Duration: 10-15 minutes
This stage aims to contextualize students about the main and secondary objectives of the lesson, guiding them on what will be expected in terms of learning and skills to be developed. By clearly outlining the objectives, it is intended to ensure that students are focused and motivated to actively participate in the proposed activities, understanding the importance of the Enlightenment both historically and in its contemporary repercussions.
Main Objectives
1. Understand the historical relevance of the Enlightenment and its main ideas.
2. Analyze the influences of the Enlightenment on the thought of the time and on the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Side Objectives
- Develop critical skills by connecting Enlightenment concepts with current reality.
- Promote the use of digital tools for research and idea presentation.
Introduction
Duration: 10-15 minutes
ο― Purpose: This stage aims to stimulate students' curiosity and activate their prior knowledge about the Enlightenment. The goal is to create a participatory environment where students can share their discoveries and engage in initial debate, preparing them for the practical activities that will take place throughout the lesson.
Warming Up
ο Warm-up: Briefly introduce the topic of the Enlightenment to the students, emphasizing that it was an intellectual movement of the 18th century that highlighted reason, freedom, and progress, greatly influencing revolutions and thinking in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then, instruct the students to use their cell phones to search for an interesting fact about the Enlightenment. Ask them to write down what they found and be ready to share with the class.
Initial Reflections
1. ο What is the Enlightenment and what are its basic principles?
2. ο How did the Enlightenment influence the French Revolution?
3. ο What are some of the main works and Enlightenment philosophers?
4. ο‘ How do Enlightenment ideas still impact our modern society?
5. ο Which events of the 18th and 19th centuries were directly influenced by Enlightenment ideas?
Development
Duration: 75-85 minutes
This stage aims to engage students in practical and creative activities that utilize digital tools to deepen their understanding of the Enlightenment. By applying theoretical knowledge in modern contexts, students develop research, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills while connecting with the current relevance of Enlightenment ideas.
Activity Suggestions
It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out
Activity 1 - ο¦ Enlightenment Influencers: Social Media Campaign
> Duration: 60-70 minutes
- Objective: Encourage students' ability to interpret, adapt, and communicate complex ideas in formats compatible with modern digital platforms, contextualizing Enlightenment thought in today's world.
- Description: Students will be challenged to become digital influencers of the 18th century, creating a social media campaign to promote Enlightenment ideas. Each group will choose an Enlightenment philosopher and create posts in various formats (images, short videos, stories) to disseminate their ideas, using digital tools such as Canva, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Instructions:
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Divide the students into groups of up to 5 people.
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Each group must choose an Enlightenment philosopher (e.g., Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau).
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Using cell phones and computers, students will create a series of posts for a social media campaign promoting the ideas of the chosen philosopher.
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The posts must include explanatory images and short videos, which can be created in Canva and edited on TikTok or any other available app.
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Each group must write a brief justification for the style and content chosen in their posts.
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The groups will share their campaigns with the class, displaying their posts and explaining their choices.
Activity 2 - ο΅οΈββοΈ Revolutionary Detectives: Gamified Investigation
> Duration: 60-70 minutes
- Objective: Foster collaboration and critical thinking through a gamified activity that connects Enlightenment ideas with significant historical events, encouraging dynamic and interactive learning.
- Description: Students will act as historical detectives, investigating how Enlightenment ideas influenced revolutionary events of the 18th and 19th centuries. Using a gamification platform like Kahoot or Quizizz, they will complete challenges that require solving puzzles and connecting Enlightenment theories to historical events, such as the French Revolution and the U.S. Independence.
- Instructions:
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Divide students into groups of up to 5 people.
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Each group needs to access the chosen gamification platform (Kahoot, Quizizz, etc.).
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Groups will solve puzzles and questions related to the impact of Enlightenment ideas on the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries.
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The questions and puzzles will involve identifying historical figures, analyzing old documents, and connecting historical events with Enlightenment principles.
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At the end of the game, each group will present their findings and reflections on the clues and solutions they came up with.
Activity 3 - ο Digital Enlightenment Newspaper: Collaborative Writing
> Duration: 60-70 minutes
- Objective: Develop collaborative writing and digital design skills while students explore and disseminate Enlightenment ideas creatively and relevantly to the modern context.
- Description: Students will work together to create a special edition of a digital newspaper, simulating a publication from the 18th century but with modern tools and aesthetics. Using Google Docs and Canva, they will write articles, editorials, and fictional interviews with Enlightenment philosophers, presenting the ideas of the movement creatively and contextually.
- Instructions:
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Divide students into groups of up to 5 people.
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Each group must access Google Docs to collaborate on writing articles for a digital newspaper.
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The articles may include fictional interviews with Enlightenment philosophers, editorials about the importance of Enlightenment ideas, and analyses of historical events influenced by the movement.
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Groups will use Canva to edit and format their pages, creating a visually appealing and informative edition.
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Finally, each group will present their newspaper edition to the class, highlighting the main points covered in their articles.
Feedback
Duration: 15-20 minutes
ο― Purpose: This stage aims to consolidate learning by providing a collective reflection on the activities conducted, stimulating the exchange of experiences and ideas among students. Additionally, 360Β° feedback promotes interpersonal development and continuous improvement, ensuring that each student feels valued and encouraged to grow academically and personally.
Group Discussion
ο£οΈ Group Discussion: Promote a group discussion with all students. Start by asking each group to briefly share their social media campaigns, gamified investigations, and the digital newspaper editions they created. Encourage students to reflect on what they learned during the activities and how these experiences helped them understand the impact of the Enlightenment on the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries. Suggest the following outline to introduce the discussion:
- Introduction: Ask each group to summarize their activities and key learnings.
- Analyses: Discuss how different Enlightenment philosophers influenced the analyzed historical events.
- Current Connections: Ask how Enlightenment ideas are still present in contemporary society.
- Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on the relevance of digital activities in learning historical concepts.
Reflections
1. β How did the activity of creating social media campaigns help you understand the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers? 2. ο In what way did the gamified investigation make evident the connection between Enlightenment ideas and the revolutionary events of the 18th and 19th centuries? 3. ο How did collaborative and digital actions influence your understanding of the importance of the Enlightenment?
360Β° Feedback
ο 360Β° Feedback: Instruct students to give feedback to each other within their groups. Explain that the feedback should be constructive and focused on positive aspects and areas for improvement. Suggest that students follow this format:
- Positive Points: Comment on the strengths of each member's contribution.
- Areas for Improvement: Suggest areas where the colleague can improve.
- Practical Solutions: Offer specific tips or ideas for future improvements. By doing this, each student will have the opportunity to reflect on their own performance and receive valuable insights on how to improve.
Conclusion
Duration: 10-15 minutes
ο― Purpose: This conclusion aims to consolidate the day's learnings, strengthening the connection between the studied content and its impact on contemporary reality. ο Through a creative summary, contextual explanations, and demonstration of practical applications, students leave the lesson with a clear and deep understanding of the importance of the Enlightenment, ready to apply these ideas in their lives and the world around them. ο
Summary
ο Fun Summary: Imagine we are all navigating through a digital timeline, where each "post" is a brilliant idea from the Enlightenment! ο We saw how thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu used reason ο to challenge norms and how these intellectual sparks ignited revolutions! ο₯ Through social media campaigns, investigative games, and digital newspapers, we dove into the depths of this movement that transformed the world. οβ¨
World Connection
ο In the Current World: The Enlightenment may seem like a thing of the past, but its ideas of freedom, equality, and brotherhood are the pillars upon which our modern societies stand. ο In a hyperconnected world, where social media plays a crucial role in disseminating ideas, understanding how Enlightenment philosophers shaped critical thinking and revolutionary movements helps us navigate and contribute to the current global dialogue. ο
Practical Application
ο‘ Applications in Daily Life: Understanding the Enlightenment is essential to recognize and value the democratic principles that guide our societies. ο By learning about the rules of reason and critical thought, students can apply these concepts in their daily lives, questioning and analyzing information with an open and investigative mind. ο§ Additionally, engaging in collaborative digital activities strengthens communication and teamwork skills, vital for success in the 21st century.