Educ 6810 - Week 6 Reading & Discussion

1.What instructional moves (i.e. group formation, topic selection, scaffolding the process, assessment) did the teacher use that you might replicate in your own teaching practices that involve critical media literacy?

Honestly, I would like to use them all in my own classroom.  I enjoyed the way that the groups were formed.  The 'leaders' to me were a great idea as well.  I like that they were able to work together to create a product; however, they still needed to approval of the teacher himself.  I feel that this was a great way to conduct this type of project, as well as let them have their own source of freedom.


2. What do you think about the student created PSA? Did it seem creative? Do you think it could serve as a legitimate assessment of writing ability? Do you think the topic would be appropriate for school? What if the students chose a pro-choice stance? 

I enjoyed the PSA topic and I also feel that it was very creative.  The writing assessment could be legitimate; however, it is a risky topic, as well as a PSA as opposed to a writing prompt.  I feel that it is very appropriate for school; however, the grade levels would need to be thought out.  I feel that because of this project, this just makes perfect amount of room for someone to make a counter argument dealing with pro-choice; therefore, letting the pro-choice make a stand.


3. Do you share the researcher's concerns that the student created PSA reproduced dominant or mainstream media representations of girls and social class? Why or Why not? 

Once again, I am in the same boat as yes I agree and no i do not agree.  I agree because the topic was common in society therefore the students were able to really focus on one thing.  It shows that they need to stand out and wonder about teen pregnancy considering it is very close to their hearts.  However, this was only a low-income girl.  THis is not to say about working class or higher class may have the same result.


4. What concerns do you have about engaging students in critical media literacy? 

Students need guided throughout this process.  Rules are the most important part of growing up.  Students need to follow rules.  Also, I feel that parents need to play an important role in this as well.  They need to be aware of the issues that their students' are referring to.  Also, students need to know that they need to be critical of these issues.


5. What topics might you use for a PSA that would that would help you meet your curriculum goals and content standards?

In the sixth grade - one of the RLA next gen standards deals with informational text.  Therefore, I plan to use this and use everything that I have learned in these courses and share them with my students.  Also, in social studies I can do this with any current event that may be going on.  However, I am nervous about my math classes.  I am unaware of how I can do this with them.


6. How would you implement the construction of a PSA in your own classroom to include aspects of critical media literacy?

I would use the stories provided in the Literature Text book, current events that deal with anything in the media in today's society and I would have to research and think about how I would do this with my math classes.

Source:
Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: Peter Lang Publishing.