Reading and discussion week #6

Read Chapter 2" Designing spaces for student choice in a digital media studies classroom.

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

            I think I would use them all. Particularly in a class that has never had this experience.. They can learn from each other in groups. Topic selection is important for their interest. Scaffolding to watch and learn then do. Assessing the outcome to see where and how corrections are necessary. 

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 think the girls that created the PSA are thoughtful and concerned about teenage pregnancies in their community. I thought  it was totally creative. You see so many pro-life PSAs with infant feet and other shock values that, in my opinion , defeat the purpose of pro-life. I do think that this is a legitimate assessment of writing. They need to make a script and a story board. Both need to be read and understood by others. It is an appropriate topic for school. Teen pregnancies and abortions are at an all time high, especially in the lower economic societies. There was no ‘blood and guts’ but a well thought out video. I don't think pro-life or pro-choice would make a difference.  

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

           It's hard to say. The author only researched the lower income social class . I think it does represent  a dominant representation of adolescent and the working class. It showed a teen visiting a free clinic, typical of limited substandard care available to those who can’t afford to purchase quality healthcare. The “ PSA  perpetuated the notion that poor and working-class teens are more likely to become teen parents than their wealthier peers, thus positioning them as responsible for failing to move up the socioeconomic ladder.”      (Avila & Pandya, 2013 pg 27)

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

        The students must have guidance and rules to follow. They need to be taught responsibility to the public.

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

         The health care field has about a zillion. Curriculum goals would include written, oral and technical literacies. Critical thinking and writing. I'm attempting this now.
My students are in placed groups and topics are chosen at random Guidelines and rules are reviewed. I have the video equipment and they must design a storyboard, script etc. It will be presented in class at a designated time.  This is my first year trying this---should prove to be interesting.

Reference

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

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