At Concord High School in New Hampshire, ENglish 11 students got a crash course in news media after Al Gore came to visit their school. Gore was misquoted all over the newspapers and news shows from a speech he gave at the school. It was blown way out of proportion by the news media because they wanted to show that Gore "stretches the truth" and they wanted to catch him in lies. By the media manipulating one word in Gore's speech, it looks like he lied! Students were outraged to witness this incident and they collected the evidence for the classroom. They were furious that the media was not displaying the truth. The focus of Gore's speech was how young people--as individuals--can make a difference in society and kids got a clear message about problems of school violence "theme of personal empowerment was inspiring to them" (the students).15 The news media ignored student phone calls trying to correct this issue. They didn't listen until a teacher called an editor at the NYTimes and Bob SOmersby of Internet media Watchdog site, The Daily Howler, and finally a correction came out in the Washington Post about this incident. WHat the students learned from this was monumental. They learned that they need to "strive to be skeptical, not cynical" and "they need to read alot of sources and stay on top of things when watching the media".
In sum, researchers found that "content of curriculum, high educational expectations, and classroom climate where students are encouraged to actively participate by expressing their opinions are important factors in building a sense of political efficacy." Political efficacy is defined as a citizen's faith and trust in government and their own belief that they can understand and influence political affairs.
After reading this chapter six in Renee Hobbs book, it makes me want to go out to Concord High School even more now and observe their media literacy classrooms. I am in awe of what the English 11 classes are actively engaged with their community and the world at large and it is clearly empowering their students. THey are realizing that they can make a difference in the world and they are learning to look at all media with a critical eye.
5 comments:
Charity,
I could see you fitting in so well to Concord High School. I can definitely see you adapting all these new technologies and ideas into your future classroom. You have so many cool ideas that I am sure will reach many students once you become their teacher. You synthesize reading so well too; you always have with all the classes we've been in! Keep up the good work and your drive you have right now as a future educator.
Thank you Jami!! That really means alot coming from you since I consider you one of the smartest girls in my classes!! I can tell by seeing your activities and unit plans, that your future classes will always be fun and unique, and your students will enjoy taking your classes because you believe in the importance of combining learning and FUN into each lesson1!! You will have the kids learning and they won't even THINK they are learning because they are having fun doing it...
not sure if that made sense but i think you get what i'm trying to say!!
Great job on the Hobbs chapter Charity. I can see this book is having a real impact on you and how you are thinking about constructing your classroom. I agree w/Jami and Charity. You're awesome!!
Sorry for the delay of your question. Savanna, Kaitlin and I are working on how certain people are portrayed and how it affects how the people think about them. We are using South Park to show how their depiction of Al Gore in the episode of Manbearpig. I know that a lot of people don't consider South Park to be 'enlightened' but for a mature audience it has a lot to say; it's truly a modern satire. I am really looking forawrd to working on this project, thanks for asking!
Well written article.
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