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The Impact of Media Literacy

Why it's Important and How to Teach It

Why Do We Need to Teach Media Literacy?

“When I hear adults talk about simply shielding children from media, I see it as impossible, more so now than ever.” -Robin Fuxa

“Because the media go to great lengths to study you!"- Chris Worsnop

Today’s children are constantly bombarded with messages from the media. Attempts to shield them from the media are futile, kids are smart and will find a way to access these materials. Even if the kids do not actively go looking for it, the media will find a way to get to them. It is up to parents and educators to actively teach media literacy to their children, so that when they do stumble upon a questionable message from the media, they will have the ability to look at these messages with a critical eye and take action.

Fuxa, R. (2012). What “Dirty Dancing” taught me about media literacy. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 4(2), 179-183. Retrieved from:

http://tinyurl.com/lp44c4k

We have limitless sources of news and students need to be able to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. By teaching media literacy, we give our students the power to critically look at various viewpoints and form their own opinion on important social and political ideas.

O’Connor, R. (2014, October 8). Practical tools for teaching news literacy. The New York

Times. Retrieved from :

http://tinyurl.com/meyb9zf

Students who are taught some type of media literacy are able to critically analyze various forms of media and exhibit higher levels of comprehension and information processing. Good media literacy curriculum invites students to reflect on their own media consumption, identify who produces media messages and why, identify a range of advertising techniques, and gain familiarity in using mass media tools. There are endless possibilities for teaching media literacy and all educators should find ways to incorporate this essential tool into their curriculum.

Frost, R. and Hobbs, R. (n.d.). Instructional practices in media literacy education and their impact on students learning. Retrieved from

http://tinyurl.com/m62bkxt

The media find ways into all aspects of our lives. We cannot escape their messages and we shouldn't try to. Media literacy can be incorporated into all subject areas and it is essential for educators to have a plan on how to approach this topic.

Worsnop, C. (n.d.). 20 important reasons to study the media. Retrieved from:

http://www.medialit.org/reading-room/20-important-reasons-study-media

Want to read more about how others teach media literacy?

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