This study explores social studies preservice teacher’s orientation toward teaching news media literacy in the era of fake news. Previous literature indicates that many social…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores social studies preservice teacher’s orientation toward teaching news media literacy in the era of fake news. Previous literature indicates that many social studies teachers express a desire to maintain neutrality in the classroom. As such, this study focuses on the preservice teachers’ articulated pedagogical practices around news media literacy, as well as the described forces and factors that influence their described stances.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses work from the field of political communication to analyze course assignments, semi-structured interviews and survey responses in order to consider the ways 39 preservice social studies teachers articulated their anticipated and enacted pedagogical practices around news media literacy.
Findings
Findings suggest a prevalent desire among the participants to pursue neutrality by presenting “both sides,” echoing traditional journalistic pursuits of objectivity. The possible consequences of this desire are also explored. Additionally, the study suggests that parents, administrators and the content standards are viewed as forces, which will constrain their practices.
Practical implications
Using theorizing about the civil sphere, this paper considers implications for teacher educators. The civil sphere may provide a lens with which to analyze news media and may help preservice teachers adopt practices they view as risky.
Originality/value
This study aims to extend conversations around the teaching of news media, controversial political and social issues and the preparation of social studies teachers in the current social and political ecology by working to align the field with growing conversations in the field of political communication and journalism.
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Keywords
J.K. Donnelly and E.I. Stentiford
States that the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in potable water supplies continues to be a high profile problem in the UK and the USA, causing concern among public health…
Abstract
States that the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in potable water supplies continues to be a high profile problem in the UK and the USA, causing concern among public health officials and those responsible for water treatment. Reviews the current status of knowledge about this troublesome parasite and considers water treatment options.
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Hannah Walter, Jacqueline Jane Cameron, Helen Simpson, Kenny Kor, Sarah MacLean and Julaine Allan
This exploratory pilot study investigated the experiences and perceptions of young people who use N2O recreationally. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first…
Abstract
Purpose
This exploratory pilot study investigated the experiences and perceptions of young people who use N2O recreationally. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative research conducted in Australia with young people investigating this topic in detail. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore young people’s perceptions, motives and experiences of N2O use by exploring the positive and negative effects of N2O, motives for use, practices and methods and suggested advice to help define targeted harm reduction messages.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants were recruited via hard copy posters, social media advertisements and snowball sampling. Seven in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people aged between 18 and 25 years who had used N2O on at least ten occasions. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically. The study was completed in accordance with COREQ for qualitative research.
Findings
The findings identified four overarching themes about N2O use: the nature of N2O use; the appeal of N2O; influences on N2O use; and perception of risk and harms of N2O use.
Originality/value
Young people in the study described their experiences as being largely pleasurable. However, several identified negative impacts, although harms, were primarily disregarded. Exploration of N2O effects alongside other substance use highlighted how N2O is a unique substance and should be considered as such when developing harm reduction strategies.