Make the Media Work for You

The media is how we communicate ideas, news and information to large audiences.

Newspapers, magazines, TV and radio programs or internet websites like English Teacher Online, are all examples of the media – a medium of communication.

So how can you make the media work for you?

How can you get lots of people to listen to your ideas?

What message do you want to tell people?

You can use the media to highlight problems, potential solutions and success stories.

The Issue

Think about all the things you like and dislike about your school campus. Make a list and describe why those things are good or not.

Focus on the things you want to improve by talking to friends using this conversation plan;

A: What do you like or dislike about the school campus?

B: I don’t like _____________________     (identify the problem)

A: Really, why do you have a problem with that?

B: Well, the main problem is ___________     (describe the problem)

A: How do you think we can solve the problem?

B: I think we should ___________    (take action or suggest solutions)

Possible Solutions

Solutions may include forming an action group, talking to the student council or writing a letter to people in power to change things.

Other creative solutions could include writing a song or short movie highlighting the problem and asking people to change their behaviour!

A: How do you think we can solve the problem?

B: I think we should ….. form an action group to (fix the problem)

write a letter to ____           asking

make an announcement       encouraging

design a poster                         explaining

* student’s own suggestion

A: Good idea, and maybe we could also

   write a song                            highlighting

make a short film                 illustrating


Positive Campaigns

Everyone loves a good news story so if you have no complaints with school why not just create a news article, short movie or song highlighting why you love certain parts of your school. Be specific and use lots of imagery!

Creating The Campaign

Present your ideas in class and discuss what to do next. If you need help please email: Steve@EnglishTeacherOnline.Org or leave a comment below.

Need more ideas?

Check out our Introduction to Media lesson from last year!