| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | No subject |
| What age group | College |
| What topic | Safeguarding |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Begin the lesson on safeguarding with an engaging, thought-provoking activity that encourages students to think critically about the importance of safeguarding in various contexts.
To kick off the lesson on safeguarding, we will embark on an interactive immersive scenario activity. This is designed to spark discussion, stimulate critical thinking, and highlight the significance of safeguarding in our everyday lives and professional environments.
Set the Scene: Begin by introducing the topic of safeguarding. Explain its significance in protecting vulnerable individuals in various environments, such as education, welfare services, health care, and more. Emphasise that safeguarding is not just a policy but a fundamental responsibility.
Divide the Class: Split students into small groups of 4-5. This encourages collaboration and allows diverse perspectives to emerge.
Distribute Scenario Cards: Hand each group a different scenario card. Each card should depict a challenging situation involving safeguarding issues (e.g., a child at risk of harm, an elderly person facing neglect, or a colleague exhibiting concerning behaviour).
Group Discussion: Give groups 10 minutes to discuss their assigned scenario. Encourage them to consider:
Report Back: After the discussions, allow each group 2-3 minutes to present their scenario and findings to the class. Ask them to highlight both the challenges they identified and the solutions proposed.
Interactive Q&A: Following each presentation, invite the rest of the class to ask questions or add comments. This fosters a rich dialogue that can lead to deeper understanding.
Wrap-Up: Conclude the activity by summarising key themes that emerged from the scenarios. Write these on the whiteboard. Connect the discussion to the importance of vigilance, reporting procedures, and accountability in safeguarding practices.
This immersive scenario activity allows students to actively participate, engaging them right from the start of the lesson. By using real-world contexts, they can better relate to and understand the implications of safeguarding, ensuring that the subject resonates personally and professionally with them. Moreover, this method fosters teamwork, communication, and critical thinking—all essential skills in the field of safeguarding.
Transition smoothly into the main content of the lesson by referencing the findings from the activity, and encourage students to think about how they can apply these insights throughout the course and in their future careers.
This creative and interactive approach sets a positive tone for a dynamic exploration of safeguarding, ensuring students are not only informed but invested in their learning journey.