10 ways to teach media literacy
Here are our 10 ways for you to teach pupils media literacy and help you understand more about the topic.
You may ask what is media literacy? Media literacy is the understanding of information via radio, film, tv, gaming, influencers, and social media. Obviously, you are probably aware that they are all heavily used by so many young people.
Why is Teaching About Media Literacy Relevant?
According to a recent report, 9 out of 10 teachers were in favour of teaching pupils media literacy skills. They included things such as fact checking and the creation of digital media. Surveyed teachers want it to be integrated into the English national curriculum. As a result we thought we would share some tips on teaching about media literacy.
Firstly, lots of aspects of media literacy are positive and can introduce pupils to creative careers in social media. However, we have chosen to focus on increasing awareness and understanding of the potential negative impact on pupils here.
Here are 10 ways for you to teach pupils media literacy:
- For younger pupils, you can explain the difference between an advert and news.
- Similarly, you could explain the function of adverts and why they appear in certain places.
- Importantly, you can outline different media channels including social media and influencers.
- When teaching older pupils, you could discuss how images can be digitally enhanced and why.
- Furthermore, you can explain how the effects of digitally enhanced images can cause them to unrealistically compare themselves to others. You can help them connect this to the potential of it having a negative impact on their body image.
- Vitally, you should explain what piracy is so they understand the illegality of downloading film clips.
- You could really help pupils by teaching them how to spot fake news. For example, you can explain how false information promises amazing results and miracle cures, even with convincing imagery.
- Above all, you can encourage pupils to question reports before sharing them. For example, ask your students to ask themselves is it true? Is it helpful? Is the source reliable?
- You can actively ask them not to share fake news by liking, sharing, or commenting on unsubstantiated reports, check it out first.
- Furthermore, you could encourage pupils to think before they post comments or share information. They could ask themselves who will see it? could it be misinterpreted or be harmful to others?
We have listed free resources below for you to access to teach pupils about media literacy.