Creating Video Lessons from Social Media Content

Why Use Social Media in Lessons?

Traditional textbooks take years to publish. By the time they reach students, information can be outdated. Social media, in contrast, offers real-time, authentic content created by experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts worldwide. A 60-second TikTok from a marine biologist exploring a coral reef provides immediacy and authenticity no textbook can match.

But simply showing videos isn't teaching. Effective educators transform social media content into structured learning experiences with clear objectives, active engagement, and meaningful assessment. This guide shows you how.

Selecting Quality Content

Evaluation Criteria

Not all viral videos make good teaching tools. Evaluate content using these criteria:

1. Accuracy: Verify information with authoritative sources. A popular science TikTok might be engaging but scientifically wrong.

2. Appropriate Length: 30-90 seconds works best for maintaining attention. Longer videos should be clipped to relevant segments.

3. Clear Audio/Visuals: Poor quality distracts from learning. Ensure captions are available for accessibility.

4. Age-Appropriate: Check language, themes, and imagery suit your students' maturity level.

5. Alignment with Learning Objectives: The video should directly support what you're teaching, not just be tangentially related.

Where to Find Educational Content

• TikTok: Search #LearnOnTikTok, #ScienceTok, #HistoryTok, #MathTok
• Instagram: Follow verified educators and institutions
• YouTube Shorts: Educational channels often post short-form content
• Facebook: Science communication pages, museum accounts

Vetting Creators

Check the creator's credentials:

• Do they have relevant qualifications? (PhD, professional experience)
• Are they affiliated with reputable institutions?
• Do other experts in the field follow/endorse them?
• Do they cite sources in their content?

Lesson Design Framework

The 5E Model Adapted for Social Media

The 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) works perfectly with social media content:

Engage (5 minutes): Show a provocative or surprising social media video to hook students' interest.

Example: A TikTok showing a chemical reaction that produces unexpected colors.

Explore (10-15 minutes): Students investigate the phenomenon shown in the video through hands-on activities or additional research.

Example: Students attempt the reaction themselves or research the chemistry behind it.

Explain (10 minutes): You provide direct instruction connecting the video to core concepts.

Example: Lecture on oxidation-reduction reactions, referencing the video.

Elaborate (15-20 minutes): Students apply learning to new contexts, possibly creating their own content.

Example: Students design their own demonstration and film it.

Evaluate (10 minutes): Assess understanding through discussion, quiz, or project.

Example: Students explain the chemistry in the original video using correct terminology.

Lesson Plan Template

LESSON: [Topic]
GRADE LEVEL: [X-X]
DURATION: [X minutes]

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to...
1. [Specific, measurable objective]
2. [Specific, measurable objective]

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT:
- Video 1: [Platform] - [Creator] - [URL] - [Duration]
- Video 2: [Platform] - [Creator] - [URL] - [Duration]

MATERIALS:
- Downloaded videos (via GramSave)
- Handouts
- [Other materials]

PROCEDURE:
[Detailed step-by-step]

ASSESSMENT:
[How you'll measure learning]

DIFFERENTIATION:
[Modifications for different learners]

Engagement Strategies

Before Viewing

Set Purpose: Give students a specific task while watching. "Count how many times the creator mentions photosynthesis" or "Identify three causes of the event discussed."

Activate Prior Knowledge: "What do you already know about this topic?" Connect new content to existing understanding.

Predict: Show the thumbnail and title. "What do you think this video will be about?"

During Viewing

Pause and Discuss: Don't just play the video straight through. Pause at key moments to check understanding or ask questions.

Note-Taking: Provide a graphic organizer for students to fill in while watching.

Multiple Viewings: Short videos can be watched 2-3 times, each with a different focus.

After Viewing

Think-Pair-Share: Students think individually, discuss with a partner, then share with the class.

Create Response Videos: Students film their own TikTok-style responses explaining the concept.

Fact-Check: Students verify claims made in the video using additional sources.

Assessment Techniques

Formative Assessment

• Exit Tickets: "Write one thing you learned and one question you still have"
• Thumbs Up/Down: Quick comprehension check during viewing
• Kahoot/Quizizz: Gamified quizzes about video content
• Discussion Quality: Monitor participation and depth of responses

Summative Assessment

• Video Analysis Essay: Students write about the accuracy, effectiveness, and educational value of the content
• Create Your Own: Students produce educational videos demonstrating mastery
• Comparative Analysis: Compare multiple videos on the same topic, evaluating which teaches best and why
• Traditional Tests: Include questions based on video content alongside other material

Subject-Specific Examples

Science: Cell Division

Video: Animated TikTok showing mitosis stages

Activity: Students create stop-motion animations of cell division using clay or drawings

Assessment: Label diagrams of mitosis stages and explain each phase

History: Civil Rights Movement

Video: Instagram Reel featuring primary source footage and expert commentary

Activity: Students research one figure mentioned and create their own educational Reel

Assessment: Essay connecting video content to broader historical themes

Math: Real-World Applications

Video: Engineer showing how trigonometry is used in bridge design

Activity: Students calculate angles and forces in a similar structure

Assessment: Problem set applying trigonometry to real-world scenarios

English: Poetry Analysis

Video: Spoken word poet performing on Instagram

Activity: Analyze literary devices used, discuss emotional impact

Assessment: Students write and perform their own poems

Overcoming Common Challenges

Challenge: School Blocks Social Media

Solution: Use GramSave to download videos before class. Play them from your device or upload to your school's LMS.

Challenge: Inappropriate Ads or Recommendations

Solution: Never browse social media live in class. Always use pre-downloaded, vetted content.

Challenge: Students Get Distracted

Solution: Keep videos short (under 2 minutes). Give clear tasks before viewing. Use active learning strategies, not passive watching.

Challenge: Outdated or Deleted Content

Solution: Archive important videos immediately. Build a library of evergreen content that won't disappear.

Challenge: Varying Student Access at Home

Solution: If assigning videos for homework, provide alternatives (transcripts, audio-only) and ensure in-class viewing time for those without home internet.

Conclusion

Social media content isn't a replacement for teaching—it's a tool that, when used thoughtfully, can make learning more engaging, relevant, and effective. The key is intentional design: clear objectives, active engagement, and meaningful assessment.

Best practices summary:

• Vet content for accuracy and appropriateness
• Archive videos using tools like GramSave for reliable access
• Design structured lessons, not just "video time"
• Engage students before, during, and after viewing
• Assess learning, don't assume videos teach themselves
• Respect copyright and model ethical digital citizenship

Start small. Choose one unit this semester to enhance with social media content. Evaluate what works, adjust, and expand. Your students are already learning from these platforms outside school—bringing that energy into your classroom can transform engagement and achievement.