Getting creative not only makes learning more fun, it also helps you to better understand complex sociological theories and concepts and remember them more efficiently.
I have selected below some creative strategies which should help you with learning A-level sociology.
Combining Concepts…
Select two concepts, theories, sociologists, research studies, news events, and try to make the links between them!
A chart or two containing such concepts with numbers up and down the sides may help with this!
Metaphors…
A metaphor is where you make one thing represent another in order to draw comparisons. Try to come up with metaphors for sociological perspectives, theories and even research studies.
For example, in terms of shapes Marxism can be represented by a triangle, which reflects the class structure. Functionalism is more of a square, which reflects its concern with social order and regulation.
Keep an ideas notebook or videolog
Walk around town and observe people, interactions, adverts, shops, or watch the news or any programme.
Keep a notebook of what you observe and apply sociological theories and concepts to your daily observations.
If writing is too long winded, do a photo diary or video log instead, making it visual may actually help.
Model things
If you have some lego then you might like to spend some time making models to represent different sociological theories and concepts.
This may be a little time consuming, so maybe treat this a break activity which keeps the brain ticking over!
Mind Maps!
It may be obvious from this blog that I am a huge fan of mind maps. They really are a great way of summarising complex ideas which mirror the way the brain works: one central point for each map, and then a few main points coming off the central hub and then further sub branches…
Mind map example:
NB maps can be even more effective if you make them more visual by using pictures where possible rather than just words!
Play the expert sociologist
Think of any social problem, such as a high crime rate or a failing school and either plan a research project to figure out why.
Alternatively, imagine you are a government advisor and think up social policies which may solve the problem. Or make the case for a revolution!
To return to the homepage – revisesociology.com
