(The teacher can also change the topic to another news report)
Learning objectives
The assignment helps the students to understand in-depth how a news report is built and what journalistic work requires.
The aim of the task is to develop multiliteracy and critical thinking.
Assignment and detailed instructions
Deep dive into the journalistic process:
- Review the Journalist’s Guidelines. Which guidelines are most important?
- Each group member looks for a news report related to the fire at Tokyo Haneda Airport on 2 January 2024 (or another topic chosen by the teacher).
- Compare the articles you found and the sources used in them. Which of the sources used in the articles are the most reliable? Why?
- Information analysis: Compare the information in the articles, how the information is justified and any differences.
- Choose one of the news articles and describe together the news creation process from a journalist’s perspective. How did the article evolve from an event to news? Describe the stages of the journalist’s work and the progress of the process.
- Together, consider the clarity, objectivity, accuracy and scope of the article. Was the news article lacking in some aspect?
- Document the news editing process and other observations as a poster in the digital environment or as a poster on paper.
- Presentation of the work and joint discussion.
Materials and equipment
Computer, tablet or mobile phone.
If the end result is a poster, you will also need sheets of paper (A2/A3) and markers.
Time use
90 min + discussion 30 min
Returning the learning task
The tasks can be returned to a web folder (e.g. OneDrive or Google Drive). The posters are hung up and the results are discussed.
Additional material
- Journalist’s Guidelines
- European Commission, 2022. Guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through education and training
- Test what kind of journalist you would be: Toimittajatesti