International Conflict and the Media
ACTIVITY 1: The Press and Media in America
Introduction
This activity introduces the topic of the press and media in America today. Students have some
knowledge about channels of communications and it is important to start with their knowledge.
This brainstorming activity helps launch the unit by assisting students to understand the general
significance of the press and media today.
Student Objectives
- To introduce the topic and discuss the importance of the press and media in America today.
- To understand some of the sources of international news.
- To understand how different news sources cover international events.
Time
1 class period
Materials
24 sheets of poster paper and markers, masking tape
Recommended Procedures
- Divide the students into six groups. Give each group four sheets of poster paper and a marker.
Tell them that they are going to do some brainstorming in their group, and that the purpose of
brainstorming is to elicit as many responses as possible in a short period of time. Remind them
that they should not criticize other students or their comments. Creativity is encouraged. There
will be plenty of time in this unit to reconsider and review their answers. Teachers should not
be afraid of silence.
- Ask each group to brainstorm: What functions do newspapers perform? Have them write
their responses on one sheet of poster paper, taking care not to criticize any responses.
Students should understand that newspapers play many important different functions, including
entertaining, advertising, and informing readers of local, national and international news, etc.
- Focus on the news function. Ask each group to brainstorm: How do citizens gain
information about the world? Have them write their responses on the second sheet of poster
paper. Students should understand that there are many other sources of information about the
world. These include other print sources, such as magazines and books, the electronic media,
such as radio, television, and films, and face-to-face contacts, such as parents, teachers and
friends. Most newspapers and many television news programs transmit their stories onto the
Internet, some in their entirety, some summarized. Chat Rooms provide an opportunity for
interaction and student opinions. If you have access to the Internet, pull up several different
newspaper and television web sites and compare their responses to a single international event
on-line.
- Ask each group to share their answers. Expect some creative responses.
- After each group has shared their responses, ask the students to focus upon the news function
of each source. What types of news are covered in each source? Have them note their
responses on the additional poster paper.
- Finally, focus specifically on international news. How do students acquire knowledge about
international events? Students should note that each source presents different amounts of
information and may present different perspectives on international issues.
Return to the Contents page for International Conflict and the Media.
Go to Activity 2.
Go to the Bibliography.