Schools must equip students to navigate alt-right websites that push fake news

[mia]

...In classroom spaces, teachers will inevitably teach students who come from a variety of backgrounds and who hold different beliefs, ideas and opinions. Still, it is a teacher’s job to encourage objective, fact-based thinking to the students in their care. Awareness of pseudo-scientific “White identity” sites like Radix and American Renaissance allows teachers to deconstruct those sites with students, encourage critical reading, and debate the validity and value of the content.

Uncomfortable subject matter
Teachers responding to my survey report that they are uncomfortable teaching about these websites because they are certain they have “at least some” students who agree with the alt-right sites in question. The teachers also believe that teaching about these websites in class would lead to uncomfortable conversations....

...Fewer than 10 percent of teachers report doing any whole class teaching about, or discussion of, these alt-right websites, despite the fact that more than half of their students utilize these sites, according to responses to my survey. Instead, they speak to students individually and request that they find other sources, according to my survey.

Teachers need to help students learn to recognize credible sources and not fall victim to alt-right sites that put forth propaganda. In order to combat the darkness in the world and on the web, teachers must have the knowledge and courage to teach about it directly.

https://theconversation.com/schools-must-equip-students-to-navigate-alt-right-websites-that-push-fake-news-97166

[bitterross]

1. Schools quit teaching critical thinking in favor of test scores long ago.

Schools no longer teach people to think. They teach people how to pass standardized tests. It's all rote memory and submission to those in power now. This one of the reasons we are where we are now.

[mia]

5. Not true. The importance of critical thinking skills is stressed

by schools, principals and teachers. Evidence that these skills will be developed must be indicated on a teacher's lesson plan. Just retired after 35 years teaching.

[bitterross]

9. I'm happy to hear that was true where you taught.

I wish it were true everywhere. I have many educator friends who lament the fact they are pushed to teach to testing rather than developing real skills in the kids. They do their best though.

I suspect this varies greatly depending upon where one lives.

[benld74]

2. All they need do is provide Rubric on assignment showing which sites are NOT permitted

[mia]

6. And teach students about political bias and have them explore

an issue from multiple points of view.

[TygrBright]

3. Goddammit, "uncomfortable conversations" are what EDUCATION IS ALL ABOUT. n/t

[mia]

7. Exactly!

Wonder if teachers in this survey may feel intimidated by potential parent complaints.

[Turbineguy]

4. When I was in second grade

we were made aware of the power of (communist) propaganda. Of course, it was a bit more obvious then.

[mia]

8. You must have had a very good teacher in the second grade.

I don't remember much about propaganda from my elementary school years, except for films like this:

[ck4829]

10. K&R