Media Literacy Integration into the Classroom

Integrating Media Literacy into the Curriculum

Contrary to traditionally treating media literacy as a separate and special topic, integrating media literacy into the curriculum is an effective learning method. This form of instruction helps teachers' efforts to teach media literacy to pupils as part of their curricula. It tries to emphasize the advantages of making sensible and effective media use. The six elements of understanding—explanation, interpretation, application, viewpoint, empathy, and self-knowledge—are taken into account to accomplish this.The facet of self-knowledge can be applied in integrating media literacy in the classroom through practical general observation, taking perspectives, doing analysis and enhancing communication skills by enabling the student and teachers have a transparent decision making process when identifying credible media sources to be used in class. Also, identifying means by which messages can be interpreted differently by people coming from different diverse backgrounds will promote the facet of self-knowledge (Cindy and Faith, 2008).

Stimulating Interest through Application

The facet of application can be executed in integrating media literacy by stimulating interest in topics that are new. This can be achieved by showing the students video clips that are exciting, popular and interesting songs, blogs, articles that stimulate discussion and having the students read in groups and share applicability of what they have read or watched in the media.

Developing Awareness and Credibility for Perspective

Integration of media can fulfill the facet of perspective. This can be done though developing awareness and credibility of issues by asking routine questions and consistently about media and how it impacts learning. This can also be done by assisting the students to know how they can distinguish non-fiction from fiction (Cindy and Faith, 2008).

Comparison, Analysis, and Discussions

Considering the facets of explanation, interpretation and empathy in integrating media literacy, doing comparisons of different ways in which media presents information on a topic is essential. This is enhanced through analysis, discussions and report production on various types of media.

Reference

Cyndy, S and Faith, R (2008). 12 Basic Ways to Integrate Media Literacy and Critical Thinking into Any Curriculum, 3rd Edition. Project Look Sharp, Ithaca College