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:
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a compelling and timely question;
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related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
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extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
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student graphic organizers;
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a simple debate tool;
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a teacher's guide to the module;
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and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should the United States abolish the Electoral College? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
In the United States, the Electoral College places votes every four years to elect the president and vice president. However, it allows for a presidential candidate to lose the popular vote but still go on to win the presidency, something that has happened five times in our nation’s history - twice in the 21st century. George W. Bush and Donald Trump both became president without winning the popular vote, reinvigorating the debate about whether we should consider abolishing the Electoral College. Some proponents argue that the Electoral College supports the notion of American federalism, while critics say it takes power away from voters. Should the United States graduate from the Electoral College?
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.
