Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Identity

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage is essential to direct the focus of the lesson and ensure that both the teacher and the students are aligned with what is expected to be achieved. In this case, the lesson aims to provide an in-depth understanding of personal identity, allowing students to use philosophical tools to investigate and critically analyze their own identity formation. This initial clarity helps maximize the effectiveness of the flipped classroom, where students arrive with a knowledge base that will be applied and deepened during practical activities in the classroom.

Main Objectives:

1. Explore and understand the main elements that make up human identity, including biological, cultural, social, and psychological factors.

2. Develop skills for critical reflection on one's own identity and its formation, using philosophical tools to question and analyze different aspects.

Side Objectives:

1. Stimulate empathy and understanding of the different identities present in society.

Introduction

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The introduction serves to engage students and activate their prior knowledge on the topic, using problem situations to stimulate critical thinking and reflection. Additionally, the contextualization helps understand the relevance of studying identity in real situations, increasing students' interest and understanding of how philosophy can be applied to understand these complex issues.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine you are adopted and discover, at 18 years old, that your life story is very different from what you imagined. How would this affect your perception of your identity?

2. Think of a situation where a person you consider very different from you, in terms of beliefs and values, is forced to radically change their cultural identity. How could this be understood and accepted?

Contextualization

Identity is a complex concept that profoundly influences how we see ourselves and how we are seen by others. Interestingly, our identity is often shaped by unexpected events or circumstances beyond our control, such as migrations, family discoveries, or social changes. These situations can cause internal and external conflicts, creating fertile ground to explore the nuances of identity philosophically.

Development

Duration: (70 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage is designed for students to practically and creatively apply the identity concepts studied previously. Through the proposed activities, they have the opportunity to visualize and reflect on the various aspects that compose their own identity and the identity of others, using methods ranging from artistic expression to critical argumentation. This approach not only reinforces learning but also stimulates empathy and respect for the diversity of identities in the world.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Masks of Identity

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Visually explore the different aspects of identity and promote reflection on how these aspects interconnect and influence the perception of oneself and others.

- Description: In this activity, students will create masks that represent different aspects of their identity, inspired by the concept of Greek theatrical masks. Each mask should symbolize a facet of identity, such as cultural, emotional, professional, among others.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group receives a set of materials such as cardboard, paints, brushes, and other decoration items.

• Students should discuss and choose the aspects of identity they wish to represent in their mask.

• Use the provided materials to construct the mask, applying painting and decoration techniques.

• Present the masks to the class, explaining the meaning of each chosen element.

Activity 2 - The Genealogical Tree of Identity

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand and visualize the diverse influences that shape individual identity, from ancestors to contemporary figures, and how these connections form a complex network.

- Description: Students will create an unconventional genealogical tree, which will include not only biological relatives but also significant people who influenced their identities. The activity involves prior research and creativity in graphic representation.

- Instructions:

• Each student chooses a branch of the genealogical tree to explore, which can be their own family or historical and cultural figures that influenced their identity.

• Students research and collect information about the chosen people, including photos, quotes, and short biographies.

• Using large craft paper, students assemble the genealogical tree, connecting people with lines that represent the influence in their lives.

• Present the genealogical tree to the class, explaining each connection and the reason for choosing each represented person.

Activity 3 - Identities Debate

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop skills in argumentation and critical understanding of the complexity of identity, allowing students to see the diversity of viewpoints and learn to respect and understand different opinions.

- Description: Students will participate in a structured debate, where they will defend viewpoints related to identity based on pre-established scenarios. The scenarios may include issues of migration, gender, culture, among others.

- Instructions:

• Form two groups in the room, each representing an opposing viewpoint in a specific identity scenario.

• Present the scenario to both groups.

• Each group has time to prepare their arguments based on their masks and genealogical trees, in addition to prior knowledge and extra research.

• Conduct the debate, alternating between groups so that each can present their arguments and rebut the opponent's group.

• Conclude with a joint reflection on how different perspectives shape the debate and our understanding of identity.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning, allowing them to articulate and share the discoveries and reflections obtained during the practical activities. The group discussion helps reinforce mutual understanding and the appreciation of diverse identities, as well as providing an opportunity for the teacher to assess the collective and individual understanding of the theme.

Group Discussion

At the end of the activities, gather all students in a circle for a group discussion. Start the discussion with a brief introduction that highlights the importance of sharing experiences and what each group learned about identity during the activities. Encourage students to express how the activities made them reflect on different aspects of their own identities and the identities of others. Use the masks and genealogical trees as starting points for the conversation, asking each group to explain the meaning behind their choices and creations.

Key Questions

1. What were the most challenging aspects of representing your identity through the activities and why?

2. How did the different perspectives presented during the debate influence your understanding of identity formation?

3. In what way can the activities carried out today help improve understanding and respect for the identities of other people?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Conclusion stage is crucial to reinforce the learning acquired during the lesson, ensuring that students can link practical activities with the theoretical concepts discussed. Additionally, it serves to highlight the practical and everyday importance of studying identity, preparing students to apply this knowledge in their personal lives and relationships. This final reflection helps consolidate knowledge and motivate students to continue exploring the topic on their own.

Summary

To conclude, let's recap the main topics discussed about identity. During the lesson, we explored how various factors, such as culture, biology, social environment, and personal experiences, shape who we are. Additionally, we discussed how philosophy helps us question and better understand these complex aspects of our identity.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson was structured to effectively connect theory and practice. We began with an introduction that stimulated reflection on real and hypothetical situations, preparing the ground for practical activities. These activities, such as creating masks and genealogical trees, allowed students to creatively apply the philosophical concepts of identity, reinforcing theoretical understanding through personal and group experiences.

Closing

Understanding identity is essential, not only for personal development but also for interacting with the world around us. The ability to question and reflect on who we are helps us be more empathetic and understanding of others' identities, promoting an environment of respect and healthy dialogue. Therefore, the study of identity is not just academic, but a vital tool for personal and social growth.