I’m excited to share some fascinating insights from the Student Success US 2023 conference, particularly from a discussion titled “Connecting the Dots: News Literacy and Student Development.” Dr. Brian Ray, Director of the Poe Business Ethics Center
University of Florida delved into how we can better understand the news and develop our critical thinking skills. It’s a topic that’s important for everyone!
Why News Literacy Matters
Today, we’re surrounded by tons of information – from social media, TV, and the internet. It can be tricky to figure out what’s true and what’s not. Dr. Ray stressed that it’s crucial for us to learn how to tell the difference. This skill is called ‘news literacy.’ It means understanding where news comes from, who’s writing it, and why it might be important to us.
The Challenge With Social Media
Dr. Ray pointed out a big problem: many of us get our news from social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. While these are cool for catching up with friends and trends, they might not always give us the whole picture or the most reliable news. This is why learning about different news sources is so important.
Key Questions for Media Literacy
Here are some tips Dr. Ray shared about evaluating news:
- Who made this? Always check who’s behind the news or stories you read. Knowing about the author can help you understand their perspective.
- What grabs your attention? Notice how headlines and images are used to make you want to read something – this could be a sign of “clickbait.”
- How do different people see it? Remember, not everyone will understand a news story in the same way. It’s good to think about other viewpoints.
- What’s missing? Sometimes, what’s not said is just as important as what is. Always look for different sides of a story.
Dr. Ray’s Classroom Approach
In his classes, Dr. Ray encourages debates and discussions. He wants students to look at both sides of an issue, which helps in understanding the full story. He also talks about “ethical dilemmas” where students think about tough situations from different angles. This method helps everyone learn to respect different opinions and think critically.
Conclusion
What I learned from Dr. Ray at the conference is super useful. Being able to understand news better helps us in school and life. It makes us smarter about the world and teaches us to think for ourselves. So next time you read a news story, remember these tips, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a news literacy pro!
Photo by Matheus Bertelli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-man-surfing-internet-on-smartphone-at-home-3856050/
