Description:
Student teams create a 30-second TV commercial that illustrates concepts previously covered in class. Mel Silberman suggests using this strategy with students who already know one another as a team building exercise.

Value:
This Active Learning strategy engages students in creative production that requires application, review, or implementation of concepts previously covered in class. Students learn from one another during the intrateam discussion and interteam presentations.

Instructions:
1. Divide students into teams of equal size, no larger than 6 per team.

2. State the objective you want to accomplish by engaging students in this.

3. Conduct brief warm-up discussion about favorite TV commercials and the characteristics that make a commercial effective (association with a famous person or organization, success, sex appeal, etc.).

4. Instruct teams to develop a 30-second TV commercial that advertises one or more of the major principles or concepts covered in class. Explain that teams will present their commercials to the class by describing, drawing, acting out, or whatever means they choose to communicate.

5. Tell teams they have 15 minutes to work. Facilitate, answering questions and announcing when teams have two minutes remaining for wrap-up.

6. Call time. Invite teams to present their commercials.

7. Applaud the creativity and application of concepts.


See a video demo of this strategy

Download a Pre-Class Planning Form (PDF)

Download a Post-Class Summary Form (PDF)