Engaging Media Literacy in Developing the Critical Thinking Skills of Junior High School Studentsthrough Symposium

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Media literacy is a great tool in developing every aspect of life but can be dangerous if not used responsibly. Public schools try to engage learners in learning its concepts but the lack of a functional computer facility makes them stagnant in theories alone. In this study, the researchers propose a symposium as aid for engaging students in media literacy. During the course of event, students will give a presentation and application of their learning to develop their critical thinking skills as well.

METHODS

Using an Action Research Design, the results were compared and analyzed. A pretest was done to determine the level of knowledge students in media literacy. A posttest was also facilitated after several symposiums.

RESULTS

Many respondents who participated in the study perceived that symposiums can be effective in engaging Junior High School students. As the event requires, they became aware of the advantages, disadvantages, and limits of using media. Exercising this skill on a timely basis developed and transpired their motivation in diversifying the use of media in a more complex and worthwhile one. It also explored various ways of using media literacy to keep the momentum and scale up media coverage on different issues.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate students' attraction and focus on symposiums as sources rather than reading outdated materials alone. Acquiring a skill and making a sense of its meaning enabled them to not just see, hear, watch, and read from media but also learn from it.