Media Literate
Media literate is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms. It is an essential skill for living in the digital age. Where we are constantly exposed to different sources of information and messages. Media literacy can help us become critical thinkers, responsible consumers, and active citizens.
Teaching media literacy in two languages can be a challenging but rewarding task for educators who work with bilingual or multilingual students. It can help students develop their language skills, cultural awareness, and global perspectives. It can also foster cross-cultural communication and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.
One example of teaching media literacy in two languages is the work of Leticia Citizen. A former award-winning television reporter. Who now teaches bilingual 5th graders at Castelar Elementary School in Los Angeles. She uses her journalism experience to help students learn to process news critically in both Spanish and English. She also integrates media literacy into other academic subjects, such as math, science, and social studies.
Some of the activities that Citizen does with her students include:
- Comparing and contrasting how different news outlets cover the same story in different languages.
- Creating their own news reports using multimedia tools and presenting them to their classmates in both languages.
- Analyzing the use of persuasive techniques, bias, and stereotypes in various media texts.
- Evaluating the credibility, accuracy, and reliability of different sources of information.
- Exploring the ethical and social implications of media production and consumption.
Final Words
Citizen says that teaching media literacy in two languages helps her students become more aware of their own identities, cultures, and values, as well as those of others. She also says that it helps them develop a sense of agency and empowerment to express their opinions and perspectives on important issues.
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