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 we ban affirmative action in college admissions? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
Affirmative Action policies were introduced in the early 1960s, aiming to give more opportunities and provide some form of equity to minorities in regards to hiring and education. In recent years, Affirmative Action has fallen out of public favor to a large degree – and has received backlash for what has been perceived as taking away opportunities from one group and giving them to another. Are these practices unfair or do they provide a vital service for students in need?
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.
