Khmer in Modern Media

Lesson Overview

Unit: Khmer Language Exploration
Lesson Number: 9 of 29
Year Level: Year 11
Subject Area: Languages – Khmer
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Curriculum Reference: Australian Curriculum – Languages (Khmer): ACLKUM043, ACLKUC040, ACLKUC041

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Analyse how the Khmer language is used in contemporary media, including social media, news, and entertainment.
• Evaluate the impact of Khmer-language media on culture, identity, and language preservation.
• Create a short video or podcast that discusses their findings on the influence of Khmer in modern media.

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Lesson Breakdown

Introduction (10 minutes) – Warm-up & Context Setting

1. Class Discussion:

   • Pose the question: "How do younger generations engage with Khmer-language media today?"
   • Explore prior knowledge:
     • Do students follow any Khmer-language content creators or influencers?
     • Have they seen Khmer used in Australian media?

2. Quick Media Analysis:

   • Show a short clip (2–3 minutes) from a Khmer-language news broadcast, social media clip, or modern song with subtitles.
   • Discuss first impressions: Is the language formal or casual? Who is the target audience?

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Main Activity (30 minutes) – Analysing Khmer in Media

Step 1: Group Investigation (15 minutes)

• Students will be divided into five groups (four students per group).

• Each group will analyse a different type of Khmer-language media:

  1. Television/news broadcasts (e.g. Khmer TV segments)
  2. Social media (e.g. Facebook posts, YouTube influencers)
  3. Music (e.g. modern Khmer pop or rap songs)
  4. Film & entertainment (e.g. Khmer films, reality shows)
  5. Journalism & blogs (e.g. online Khmer news articles)

• Groups will use the following guiding questions:

  • What themes or topics are commonly discussed?
  • Is the language formal, informal, or a mix?
  • How do young people engage with this type of media?
  • Is Khmer mixed with another language (e.g., English or French)?

Step 2: Creative Response – Podcast or Video (15 minutes)

• Students will create a 1–2 minute video or podcast clip discussing the role of Khmer in their assigned media type.
• Guidelines:
  • Introduce the media they analysed.
  • Discuss key findings using one or two examples.
  • Pose a thoughtful conclusion: "Do you think the use of Khmer is changing? Why?"
• Options for recording: Use smartphones, classroom tablets, or audio recording apps.

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Class Sharing & Reflection (15 minutes)

1. Group Presentation (10 minutes)

   • Each group plays their video/podcast to the class.
   • After each presentation, a student from another group asks one reflective question.

2. Debrief & Exit Reflection (5 minutes)

   • Open discussion:
     • "Did you find any unexpected patterns in Khmer media?"
     • "How does Khmer-language media compare to Australian media?"
   • Students write a one-sentence takeaway on a sticky note:
     • "One thing I learned about Khmer in media today is…"

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Assessment & Differentiation

Formative Assessment:

• Teacher circulates during group work to check engagement and depth of analysis.
• Students’ videos/podcasts demonstrate understanding of language use in media.

Differentiation Strategies:

• Support: Provide simplified media examples in Khmer and English for students needing extra scaffolding.
• Extension: Encourage advanced students to compare Khmer media trends in Cambodia vs. Khmer-speaking communities in Australia.

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Resources & Materials

• Sample video clips (news, social media, entertainment)
• Tablets/smartphones for recording podcasts or videos
• Sticky notes for reflections
• Whiteboard for brainstorming

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Teacher's Notes & Future Considerations

• This lesson builds toward a deeper exploration of Khmer identity and bilingualism (Lesson 12 & 13).
• Encourage students to explore Khmer content outside school and note down language trends for future discussions.

This lesson keeps engagement high by blending critical thinking, group collaboration, and modern media, making it highly relevant to Year 11 students.