How to Tap Into Students’ Interests With a TED Talk Unit
Use a TED Talk as the foundation for an engaging unit on topics that interest your students. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to create a successful TED Talk unit that will engage and inspire your students.
1. Choose a TED Talk that speaks to your student’s interests.
Select a TED Talk that your students will find interesting and motivating. For example, if your students are interested in science, choose a TED Talk on the science of health. If your students are passionate about environmentalism, choose a TED Talk on the power of storytelling to inspire change.
2. Choose a topic that will resonate with your students.
When choosing a TED Talk topic, be sure to steer clear of topics that are too far outside of your student’s interests. For example, a talk on quantum physics is unlikely to be of much interest to middle schoolers. Instead, focus on topics that are relevant to your students’ lives and interests.
3. Consider using visuals to help illustrate the talk.
Many TED Talks include visual aids, such as graphs or photos, that can help illustrate the speaker’s points. If you plan to use visuals in your class, be sure to gather a copy of the talk before you start class so that you can include them in your learning environment.
4. Incorporate the talk into your curriculum.
TED Talks make great additions to curriculums in a number of subjects. For example, you could use a TED Talk on creativity in the arts or health in the sciences. When incorporating a TED Talk into your curriculum, be sure to provide your students with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussion.