Workshop - Fake News
Media Literacy Weeks at our Grammar School
Navigating the flood of information and not giving in to emotions is one of the most important skills today. That is why our grammar school actively participated in the tenth year of the Media Literacy Weeks under the wings of the JSNS organization this year. For the opportunity to take part in this program and for the complete organization of the entire event at our school, we owe our thanks to our Czech language teacher, Mgr. Renáta Drábová. Thanks to her initiative, our students could try out how to critically analyze the modern media world instead of traditional teaching.
Disinformation Hunters
The program kicked off with an intensive ninety-minute lecture that focused on the phenomenon of fake news and disinformation. However, it did not stop at just theory. The students immediately split into working groups and moved on to the practical analysis of digital content. Their task was to browse through various news and opinion portals on the internet and, based on specific clues, determine which sources are credible and which show signs of manipulation. This part showed the students how important it is to verify facts before one starts believing them.
The argumentation Duel
The second part of the workshop followed. This part focused on the psychological side of media and how crucial a role emotions play in speech and persuasion. The students stayed in the same groups but received a completely new task: to choose one of the attractive school topics, such as establishing a sauna, installing a water fountain, or allowing pets in the school, and design a promotional campaign for it. Subsequently, however, they reversed their roles, and opposing teams had to find factual arguments as to why the given proposal should not work at the school.
An Experience That Teaches Perspective
The all-day program was of immense benefit to the grammar school students. The practical exercise demonstrated to them in real time how easily information can be manipulated if emotions enter the game instead of facts. The students experienced firsthand both sides of the barricade – the role of content creators and the role of critical opponents. They thus took away not only healthier online habits but, above all, the understanding that it is necessary to look for context behind every message and to always discuss factually and with a cool head.
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