About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
- a compelling and timely question;
- related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
- extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
- student graphic organizers;
- a simple debate tool;
- a teacher's guide to the module;
- and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should student athletes be paid? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
Since the formation of the NCAA in 1910, college athletics have become increasingly popular and prevalent in American culture. Student athletes compete at a highly competitive level, are heavily recruited, and generate large sums of money for their universities every year. In recent years, many have criticized the NCAA's policies on student athletes by advocating for student athletes to be paid as compensation for the benefits they help bring to their schools.
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.