Minds On

Reviewing current events

Issues in the media

At any given time, there are local, national, and international issues that get analyzed and discussed in the media.

Brainstorm some of these issues that you have read about, heard about, or have experience with. Reflect on some of the issues that you have looked at and if possible share your thoughts with a partner, then record your list of issues in an organizational tool of your choice.

Pressing issues

A pressing issue is one that requires immediate action or attention.

Review your list and highlight the issues that you believe to be pressing. Be ready to share why you think they are pressing issues with the class.

Current events website

The main page of the TVO website is dedicated to current events. It includes articles, video segments, and short documentaries. Click the following link and explore the headlines (these are the bolded statements that explain the main message of the media text).

Press TVO.org to access the main page of the TVO website.

Opens in a new tab

Share the headlines that interested you with a partner, if possible. What were the pressing issues that you identified?

Indigenous current events

After discussing a few of the stories being shared on the main page, click the following link to the “Indigenous” page of the TVO website. Review the headlines of the current news stories shared in that section.

Press TVO.org to access the TVO Indigenous page.

Opens in a new tab

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

Compare the current news stories being presented on the main page of the TVO website to the stories on the Indigenous page. Discuss the different stories and consider the following:

  • What point of view is being shared in each media text that you explore?
  • What are some similarities and differences in the types of stories being shared?
  • What are the different elements used to deliver the message of each story?

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Action

Researching issues

As we discussed previously, there are many different current events to explore. Choose an issue that you are passionate about, it can be any topic that you want to explore. Find an article about your topic and then find three other resources to help you research more about this issue.

Use the graphic organizer below or an organizational tool of your choice to record your findings and answer the following questions through your research:

  • What is the main message surrounding the issue?
  • What are the different elements used to deliver this message?
  • Who does this issue impact?
  • Who is the intended audience for the article?

Complete Researching an Issue in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Researching an Issue
Main message Different elements used to deliver the message Who the issue impacts
Article:
Resource 1:
Resource 2:
Resource 3:
What is the main message surrounding the issue?
What are the different elements used to deliver this message?
Who does this issue impact?
Who is the intended audience for the article?

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Researching an Issue. 

Consolidation

Discussion questions

After completing your research, create two discussion questions to ask a partner. These questions must provoke discussion and help to educate others on the issue you have chosen. Consider using an image, a video, or an audio clip that you found during your research to help start a dialogue.

Creating good discussion questions

Use the checklist below to ensure that your questions generate a discussion:

    

Discussion Question Checklist

Are my questions:

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel...

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.