How We Teach Media Literacy at BBSG

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, where information is abundant and often overwhelming, understanding news and media is more crucial than ever.

How do our students discern credible information?
How do they navigate their learning in this dynamic environment?

As they interact with various social media platforms, how do they critically assess news content, understand diverse perspectives, and develop their own opinions?

Recently, in our Junior Secondary Chinese class, Grade 8 students have been exploring an innovative approach to learning news literacy.

Discover News and Perspectives

We began by exploring various reporting styles. Students examined and compared various news genres, including reports, features, and commentaries, to understand the differences in language styles and perspectives.

In addition to the news in our textbooks, students also read several articles about the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE), discovering that even reports on the same event can vary significantly.

By engaging with posts they encountered on Weibo or WeChat, they gained a deeper understanding of various news styles. This real-world context not only piqued their interest but also made the learning experience more meaningful and engaging.

Through this process, students quickly realised that even when reporting on the same event, articles can vary significantly in language style and perspective.Each reporter or media outlet presents its own viewpoints and preferences, which, while accurate, may not offer a complete picture. Understanding how these perspectives influence content is one of the key insights from this series of classes. This exploration helps students understand the principle of "listening to all sides for clarity," promoting critical thinking skills that enable them to discern truth from falsehood and think independently.

By reading and analysing news articles, students gain a conceptual understanding: writing entails choosing topics according to various purposes and audiences to express one’s opinions.

This understanding extends beyond news articles. Students can then apply this knowledge to enhance their reading and writing skills across all types of texts.

—— BBSG Junior Secondary Chinese teacher

News Writing and Mock Press Conference

To reinforce their learning, students embarked on a practical project where they wrote their own news articles, choosing topics relevant to their school community, such as the upcoming sports day.

As part of their assignments, students will present their articles at a mock press conference, providing an opportunity to practise their communication skills in a supportive environment. Moreover, peer feedback sessions promote collaborative learning, enabling students to reflect on their writing and learn from each other’s perspectives. We look forward to their impressive presentations.

The News unit embodies BBSG's philosophy in both Chinese and Media Literacy education. We aim for our students, regardless of whether they pursue a career in journalism, to develop strong reading and writing skills alongside solid media literacy. This foundational competence is crucial not only for academic success but also for responsible citizenship in a global society.