Images can be a really effective, low prep way of getting students interested in a subject. All you need to do is show them a picture and get them to discuss their reaction to it. With the right choice of photo, you might even get a full lesson out of it.
I like to collect images which I think will be thought-provoking, challenging and perhaps a bit mysterious. Below is a collection of some of these images which you might find useful, along with their back story so you know the context behind the picture.
You can download a powerpoint with some of these images and discussion questions here.
Thanks for this James…. I’ve seen videos used a lot as conversation starters as well – but I think for some reason watching videos numbs the students sense of participation whereas pictures keeps them more ‘ with you’ in the classroom… do you see that as well..?
You might be right. Of course it depends on the video or image used, but with the speed that a simple image gives you, it’s easier to maximise the impact of an image which is particularly important at that stage of the lesson.
I agree, I think the speed at which pictures are readily captured by the eye makes it a much more stimulating exercise. Thanks, I will use these in the classroom – great!
Thanks – I hope you enjoy them!