Active learning ideas
Media literacy is a critical skill for 6th Class pupils as they spend more time online and are exposed to a constant stream of information and advertising. The NCCA curriculum focuses on developing a critical eye, helping students to distinguish between fact and opinion, and to recognize the techniques used by advertisers to influence their choices. This unit also covers online safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information and being a responsible digital citizen.
Activity 01
Groups are given a popular advertisement (video or print). They must identify the target audience, the 'hidden' message, and the techniques used to make the product look appealing (e.g., lighting, music, or celebrity endorsement).
How does advertising influence our choices?
Activity 02
Students are split into two teams to debate the impact of social media on 12-year-olds. They must use evidence to support their arguments, considering factors like connection, privacy, and the spread of misinformation.
What information is safe to share online?
Activity 03
Show students two news headlines, one real and one 'fake' or exaggerated. In pairs, they must identify which is which and list three 'clues' they used to make their decision (e.g., the source, the tone, or the image).
How can we spot misinformation on the internet?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
If something is on the internet or in the news, it must be true.
Teach that all media is 'constructed' and has a purpose. Using a 'Spot the Fake' activity helps students develop the habit of checking sources and looking for bias.
Advertising only affects people who are 'gullible.'
Explain that advertising uses sophisticated psychological techniques that affect everyone. Active deconstruction of ads helps students see these techniques in action, making them more aware of their own responses.
Methods used in this brief
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