The following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame (ELA) Have you ever participated in a class debate or given an oral presentation in front of the class? How did you prepare for it? How did you feel when it was your turn to speak?
Focus (ELA) As you watch the video, critique each candidate's presentation style and technique. Which methods work well? Which do not? Is there anything they could do to improve their presentations? Why do you think that?
Follow Up (ELA) Do you agree or disagree with how the debates were conducted? Is there anything participants could have done to be more persuasive and give better presentations? Write a list of recommendations for each candidate. Once each list is completed, notice if any recommendations overlap.
Frame (SS) What do you know about a democracy? What do you know about the government of China? How does it compare to the government of your country?
Focus (SS) What are some of the tactics used by the students to get their classmates to vote for them? Are these tactics effective?
Follow Up (SS) What are some other examples in society or everyday life where persuasive techniques are used? In your opinion, what techniques tend to be the most effective? Support your opinion by providing examples of how people react to these presentation techniques.