To combat the spread of disinformation a new consortium will offer a digital tool to help teachers incorporate journalism into media literacy classes. A teen practices photojournalism. It is difficult for young people to navigate through all the information and...
Your opinion matters. But how you express that opinion in print can mean a yawning reader or one who can’t stop thinking about your ideas. Girl reads by flashlight under the covers. Illustration by News Decoder. If you go to a gathering and someone starts to...
A media literacy organization asked for nominations of teachers and groups who teach youth about press freedom. Nominations came from all across the world. Children in a classroom and a blackboard that says “Test Monday: Press Freedom.” Illustration by...
A blank page confronts every writer on deadline. Turning that empty space into an article someone might read takes more than simply hitting keys on a keyboard. Two images of a woman at a typewriter trying to find an idea. Photo illustration by News Decoder. This...
ND correspondent Helen Womack takes us through her process of going from a blank page to a published article in this piece on confronting writer’s block. How can we help students find their voice?
Exercise: Read the article with your class, then have students brainstorm pitches that they can submit to News Decoder. How might their initial ideas be transformed into a publishable piece? Consider: global/local relevance of pitches, at least two sources to interview to investigate the topic, students’ unique angle on the topic. Students should then submit a pitch for an opportunity to work with our editors to be published on our global news site.
For further tips on interviewing and drafting, direct students to our asynchronous E-Learning courses. If you’re not a member of our school network, contact us to learn more about these members-only resources.
Important events are taking place around the world. It is essential that young people understand what is happening and why they should care. Photo illustration by News Decoder We believe that it is more important than ever that education be grounded in global...
Living in a globalized world means appreciating the nuance of diverse perspectives and shared experiences. Global Citizenship Education (Canva). The field of education loves its buzzphrases. Standards-based grading. Project-based learning. Media literacy education. ...
We’ve created a library of educational resources to decode climate science and face the crisis with journalism, activism and art. CO2 written on a blackboard. (Credit: Getty Images Signature) Teaching climate change is a daunting task for educators, whether for...
To get good stories you need to start with simple questions. The answers will be complicated. Reporters at a press conference raise their hands to ask a question. (Credit: Comstock) What’s your question? Journalists ask questions. Lots and lots and lots of questions....
In this piece, News Decoder editors help students develop a line of inquiry and questioning that can lead to solutions journalism. To get good stories, students should start with simple questions with big answers.
Exercise: After students read the article, have them brainstorm simple questions about the world around them that may lead to a great story. Perhaps students are curious about the options on their school lunch menu, or about why football is called “soccer” in some countries. Students should then consider who they may ask/interview to answer their question. This activity may be paired with a classroom writing assignment. If students produce a finished story, they are eligible to pitch the article to our team, with the possibility of publication on our site.
Sometimes saying yes can seem scary. But if you say no you close yourself off to opportunities. And some of them might be amazing. Photo illustration by News Decoder. “Say ‘yes.’” That’s Emma Bapt’s advice to high school students, especially girls. “I think...
In-person classes have resumed at most schools. Covid infections have leveled off. But teachers are exhausted and increasing numbers are heading out. Masked and distanced, Lindsay McConnel helps a high school student at the Tatnall School. (Credit: Kate McConnel)...