Double Entry Journal #1

 

Quote:

"The current obsession with standardized high stakes testing and the movement
back to basics that has bumped critical thinking to the periphery, promoted by
the Bush administration and conservative educators, makes the implementation
of media education in the USA even more difficult." (Kellner & Share, 2005).

Reaction:

I agree with the above quote even though I am not yet in the classroom. Over the past two years, I have been enrolled in graduate level courses in preparation for my goal of becoming a teacher. The importance of high stakes testing and NCLB legislation is evident throughout my classes, but the emphasis on promoting critical thinking is more prominent in my coursework, which I think is a crucial skill that all of our students need to grasp. Using critical thinking and multiple mediums, our students can obtain skills necessary to think independently and improve problem-solving skills. They can better discern the messages that inundate them in all of the technology in which they are exposed. Students can also use media education and critical thinking skills as a tool of empowerment and expression, which contributes to learning and personal growth. I hope that the implementation of media education can thrive and the opportunities for teacher training on such subject matter will increase in the near future.
 
Link:
SAMHSA has an interesting website that emphasizes the importance of media literacy among our children and adolescents. There is also a useful link to a Media Literacy Ladder that can assist in the organization and implementation of discussion about media literacy with students.

References:

Kellner, D., & Share, J. (2005). Toward critical media literacy: Core concepts, debates, organizations, and policy. Retrieved from http://pages.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/kellner/essays/2005_Kellner-Share_TowardsCriticalMediaLiteracy.pdf

toosmarttostart.gov. (2011, 08 09). Retrieved from

http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/families/media/whyimportant.aspx

 

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Introductory Post

My name is Amber and I am a graduate student at Fairmont State University. I live in Barbour County with my husband and three dogs. I am completing my Master's in Special Education and hope to use the information gained in this course to better reach my future students with technology. Earlier this month, I left my job of six years in behavioral health to complete the clinicals requiered for my educational goals. Thus, I will be in a Special Education classroom this semester and am excited to introduce the skills that I  learn in this class to other educators and students.