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      What are the different types of campaigning methods we can use?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what campaign methods are and compare direct and indirect action.

      Key learning points

      1. Campaign methods spread messages to target groups to create change.
      2. Different campaign methods include protest, boycotting and lobbying.
      3. Each campaign method will have advantages and disadvantages.
      4. Campaign methods can be divided into direct action (e.g., protests) and indirect action (e.g., petitions).
      5. Direct and indirect actions have advantages and disadvantages.

      Keywords

      • Campaign methods - actions or events organised by an individual or a group of people to achieve an aim

      • Target group - the specific individuals, groups, or organisations that a campaign is aimed at influencing or engaging

      • Direct action - immediate, visible activities aimed at addressing specific issues

      • Indirect action - involves influencing others and using existing systems to bring about change over time

      Common misconception

      Only direct action campaign methods such as protests can make change happen.

      Direct action, like protests, can create change, but indirect methods are also powerful. Petitions, social media, education, and lobbying influence opinions and decisions over time. Successful campaigns often use both to make a lasting impact.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage pupils to consider both direct and indirect campaign methods, and discuss real-world examples. Help them think about which methods work best for different campaign goals.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is an advantage of primary research?

      quick
      Correct answer: relevance
      cost-effective
      widely available

      Q2.
      Which research method produces quantatitive data?

      interviews
      focus group
      Correct answer: surveys
      observation

      Q3.
      Match the research method with its advantage.

      Correct Answer:survey,broad reach

      broad reach

      Correct Answer:interview,in-depth insights

      in-depth insights

      Correct Answer:government reports,reliable, official data

      reliable, official data

      Q4.
      What is secondary research?

      Correct answer: existing information
      original information
      new information
      out-of-date information

      Q5.
      What is this describing: the process of examining something in detail, breaking it down into its parts to understand it better.

      Correct Answer: analysis

      Q6.
      Put the steps of creating an action plan in the correct order.

      1 - task
      2 - who
      3 - when
      4 - findings
      5 - further action

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the campaign methods with their definition.

      Correct Answer:protest,public demonstration

      public demonstration

      Correct Answer:petition,collecting signatures

      collecting signatures

      Correct Answer:lobbying,persuading decision-makers to act

      persuading decision-makers to act

      Correct Answer:public speech,talking to influence opinions

      talking to influence opinions

      Correct Answer:march,organised walk to raise awareness

      organised walk to raise awareness

      Correct Answer:social media,spreading messages online

      spreading messages online

      Q2.
      Which is an advantage of direct action?

      long-term impact
      fewer risks
      Correct answer: attract attention
      avoids confrontation

      Q3.
      Which are examples of indirect action?

      Correct answer: petition
      march
      Correct answer: lobbying
      strike

      Q4.
      Match the key factor, when choosing a campaign method, with its rationale.

      Correct Answer:target group,ensures the right people are reached

      ensures the right people are reached

      Correct Answer:resources and level,determines feasibility

      determines feasibility

      Correct Answer:effectiveness,ensures real impact

      ensures real impact

      Correct Answer:public support,strengthens campaign influence

      strengthens campaign influence

      Correct Answer:risks and consequences,avoids legal or social issues

      avoids legal or social issues

      Correct Answer:timing,maximises relevance and impact

      maximises relevance and impact

      Q5.
      Which of the following is true about campaign methods?

      Only direct action like protests can create change.
      Correct answer: Indirect methods like petitions also influence change.
      Protests always lead to immediate change.
      Social media is the most reliable method for creating change.

      Q6.
      What is the name given to the people or person campaigns are aimed at?

      Correct Answer: target group, target audience, intended audience

      To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What are the different types of campaigning methods we can use?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...