Deconstructing Corporis: Analyzing Rhetoric and Structure in Educational Videos

English Language Arts Grades 12th Grade 9:24 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson examines the rhetorical strategies and structural elements used in educational YouTube videos, using Corporis's 'Intro to Histology' as a case study. Students will analyze the video's effectiveness in conveying information, engaging the audience, and establishing credibility.

Video Resource

Intro to Histology: The Four Tissue Types | Corporis

Corporis

Duration: 9:24
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Rhetorical Analysis (Ethos, Pathos, Logos)
  • Multimodal Communication
  • Structure and Organization of Educational Content
  • Scientific Communication
  • Audience Engagement

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and analyze the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in educational videos.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of different multimodal techniques in conveying information.
  • Students will be able to deconstruct the structural elements of an educational video and explain how they contribute to comprehension.
  • Students will be able to analyze the purpose of using different vocabularies and language.
  • Students will be able to design and plan their own educational video

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (10 mins)
    Begin by introducing the concept of rhetorical analysis and its application to various forms of media. Briefly discuss ethos, pathos, and logos. Ask students about educational YouTube channels they follow and what makes them effective.
  • Video Viewing and Note-Taking (15 mins)
    Play the 'Intro to Histology' video. Instruct students to take notes on the presenter's use of: a) Ethos (credibility), b) Pathos (emotional connection), c) Logos (logical arguments and evidence), d) Multimodal elements (visuals, text overlays, music), e) Structure and organization (introduction, main points, conclusion).
  • Group Discussion (20 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Each group should discuss their observations regarding the presenter's rhetorical strategies, multimodal techniques, and structural choices. Encourage them to provide specific examples from the video.
  • Whole-Class Debrief (15 mins)
    Bring the class back together for a whole-class discussion. Have each group share their key findings. Guide the discussion towards a consensus on the video's strengths and weaknesses in terms of its rhetorical effectiveness, multimodal design, and structural organization.
  • Individual Project: Educational Video Plan (30 mins)
    Assign an individual project where students will create a detailed plan for their own short educational video on a topic of their choice. The plan should include: a) Topic and target audience, b) Learning objectives, c) Script outline with key arguments and evidence, d) Visual aids and multimodal elements, e) Plan for establishing credibility (ethos), f) Strategies for engaging the audience (pathos). Each student should use a graphic organizer to map out the different elements of their presentation.

Interactive Exercises

  • Rhetorical Appeals Identification
    Provide students with a transcript excerpt from the video. Have them highlight examples of ethos, pathos, and logos using different colored markers.
  • Multimodal Element Evaluation
    Create a worksheet with screenshots of different visual elements from the video. Ask students to evaluate the effectiveness of each element in conveying information and engaging the audience.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the presenter in the 'Intro to Histology' video establish their credibility (ethos)?
  • What specific visual elements (e.g., diagrams, animations) are used in the video, and how do they enhance understanding?
  • How does the video's structure (introduction, main points, conclusion) contribute to its overall effectiveness?
  • In what ways does the presenter appeal to the audience's emotions (pathos) to maintain engagement?
  • Are there any potential biases or logical fallacies in the video's presentation of information?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Rhetorical Analysis
  • Multimodal Literacy
  • Communication
  • Planning and organization

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which rhetorical appeal focuses on establishing the speaker's credibility and expertise?

Correct Answer: Ethos

Question 2:

What is the primary purpose of using multimodal elements in an educational video?

Correct Answer: To enhance understanding and engagement

Question 3:

Which structural element is crucial for providing an overview of the video's content and setting expectations?

Correct Answer: Introduction

Question 4:

What is the goal of Pathos as a rhetorical device?

Correct Answer: To create an emotional connection.

Question 5:

Why is the organization of an educational video important?

Correct Answer: To help the audience follow and understand.

Question 6:

Which rhetorical appeal uses facts, statistics, evidence, and reason?

Correct Answer: Logos

Question 7:

In an educational video, visual aids like diagrams and animations primarily contribute to:

Correct Answer: Conveying information more effectively.

Question 8:

When a presenter shares their credentials or past experiences related to the topic, they are primarily building:

Correct Answer: Ethos.

Question 9:

Which of the following is NOT an example of a multimodal element in an educational video?

Correct Answer: Clear Verbal Explanations

Question 10:

When planning an educational video, what is the significance of identifying the target audience?

Correct Answer: To tailor the content and delivery to their specific needs and knowledge level.

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques, is known as ________.

Correct Answer: rhetoric

Question 2:

A rhetorical strategy that invokes emotion is known as ________.

Correct Answer: pathos

Question 3:

The credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker is known as ________.

Correct Answer: ethos

Question 4:

________ elements include visuals and text that enhance understanding.

Correct Answer: multimodal

Question 5:

A well-organized structure aids in the viewer's overall ________ of the topic.

Correct Answer: comprehension

Question 6:

Logical arguments and the presentation of evidence constitute ________.

Correct Answer: logos

Question 7:

An ________ provides an outline of the content and sets expectations for the audience.

Correct Answer: introduction

Question 8:

The process of closely examining and evaluating the effectiveness of communication is known as ________ analysis.

Correct Answer: rhetorical

Question 9:

Connecting with the audience by appealing to their values and feelings helps build ________ and keep them engaged.

Correct Answer: trust

Question 10:

Before producing an educational video, it is useful to write a detailed ________.

Correct Answer: script

Educational Standards

12.3.R.5:Students will evaluate the validity of a speaker’s argument: distinguish the kinds of evidence (e.g., logical, empirical, anecdotal), distinguish substantiated from unsubstantiated claims, analyze rhetorical appeals (i.e., ethos, logos, pathos), identify bias, identify logical fallacies. 12.7.R:Students will analyze and evaluate the techniques used in a variety of multimodal content and how they contribute to meaning. 12.7.W:Students will create engaging multimodal content that intentionally addresses an audience and accomplishes a purpose. 12.2.R.1:Students will summarize the main ideas and paraphrase significant parts of increasingly complex texts. 12.1.S.2:Students will follow agreed-upon rules as they engage in collaborative discussions about what they are reading and writing, expressing their own ideas clearly, building on the ideas of others, and respectfully disagreeing when necessary in pairs, diverse groups, and whole-class settings.

Teaching Materials

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