S2.2 Team task (whole teaching group): Now we need a break – let’s have a Timeout!

The discourse on social media is heated; fake news, trolls and filter bubbles run rampant.

Learning objectives

The task helps students to understand the challenges of democratic society and the current media environment and guides them to reliable information.

A Timeout discussion guides one towards constructive and equal interaction.

Assignment and detailed instructions

1. Let’s discuss together what fake news, trolls and filter bubbles mean.
2. The teacher leads the discussion by explaining the principles of democracy and, for example, freedom of expression and the significance of elections. A video is watched as an introduction (Yle 2023) Deepfake-videot voivat asiantuntijan mukaan vaikuttaa Suomessakin vaaleihin
3. Discuss the topic: “The significance of a distorted discussion culture for democracy.” The method used in the discussion is the Timeout discussion model launched by the Timeout Foundation: What’s Timeout about?

Materials and equipment

Class arrangements. In the Timeout model, it is recommended to sit in a circle without desks or tables.

Time use

30 min introduction and organisation, 45 min discussion

Additional material

• YLE,  2023. Tätä häikäilemätöntä temppua käytettiin Slovakian vaaleissa, ja tutkijan mukaan sama voi onnistua Suomen presidentinvaaleissa
• Timeout Foundation, 2023. Kuusi rakentavan keskustelun pelisääntöä