Lesson Plan: Perspectives in English
Subject
English
Year Level
Grade 11
Duration
30 Minutes
Topic
Explaining how some perspectives are privileged whilst others are marginalised or silenced.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and analyse different perspectives in various texts.
- Discuss the concept of privilege in relation to social, cultural, and economic contexts.
- Understand how certain viewpoints are promoted while others are often overlooked or suppressed.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector for video presentation
- Selection of texts (short stories, articles, poems)
- Handouts with discussion questions
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Begin with a brief discussion on the definition of “perspective”.
- Ask students to share what they think results in some perspectives being considered important while others are less visible or ignored.
- Introduce key terms: privilege, marginalisation, and silencing.
2. Group Discussion (10 Minutes)
- Divide students into small groups.
- Provide each group with a selection of texts that showcase different perspectives (e.g., an Indigenous narrative, a migrant experience, a mainstream Australian perspective).
- Instruct groups to identify which perspective is privileged in their text and which perspectives are marginalised or silenced.
- Encourage them to think critically about the language used and the context of the text.
3. Class Presentation (10 Minutes)
- Invite each group to share their findings with the class.
- Facilitate a discussion by asking:
- Why is the privileged perspective dominant?
- How does this affect societal understanding and representation?
- What are the potential consequences of silencing other perspectives?
4. Conclusion and Reflection (5 Minutes)
- Summarise the main points discussed during the lesson.
- Ask students to reflect on how understanding these dynamics can influence their reading of texts in the future.
Homework Assignment
Task
Write a reflective essay (300-400 words) on a perspective that has been historically marginalised in your culture. In your essay, include:
- An analysis of the text or narrative you choose to examine.
- Discuss how that perspective is treated in contrast to dominant narratives.
- Reflect on the importance of amplifying marginalised voices in literature.
Due Date
[Enter Due Date Here]
Correct Answers for Homework Topics
While this reflective essay is subjective, students should aim to:
- Identify a specific marginalised perspective (e.g., Indigenous Australian, LGBTQ+ narratives, immigrant experiences).
- Provide a clear analysis of the chosen text.
- Discuss key themes and the importance of the narrative.
- Highlight the contrast with dominant perspectives, illustrating with specific examples from the text.
- Conclude with thoughts on the importance of inclusion of diverse voices in literature.
Additional Resources
- Articles on privilege and marginalisation.
- TED Talks discussing diverse perspectives.
- Relevant novels and poems by marginalised authors.
This lesson is designed to engage students in critical analysis and encourage an appreciation for diverse voices in literature, aligning with the Australian Curriculum's emphasis on critical and creative thinking.