Next Due Date:
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Past Due News Reports:
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LEARNING TARGET:
I can find information about news that matters, identify my source, summarize what I've learned, and explain the significance of this news.
To put it simply…
I can find information about news that matters, identify my source, summarize what I've learned, and explain the significance of this news.
To put it simply…
- Source: Where did your information come from?
- Summary: What is the news about?
- Significance: Why does this news matter?
Potential Sources
Consider some of the following websites if looking online for a current event. I will gladly help you find a news article if you are struggling or if it means the difference between you submitting something significant or just submitting more of the same news about crime or accidents. And don't forget about the Sunday Info Dump!
Every weekend Mr. Brock posts articles you can check out. (NOPE... HAVEN'T DONE THIS IN TWO YEARS. NEED TO MAKE A JOURNALISM STUDENT DO IT...)
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LIBERAL SOURCES |
MODERATE SOURCES |
CONSERVATIVE SOURCESLOCAL SOURCESSPECIALIZED SOURCES |
Some examples of great work…
To explain it a bit better…
Source: Identify where you found your news. Be as specific as possible! The "Source" of the news is just as important as the news itself. Every news outlet has a bias or tells the news in a way shaped by its format (television, print, online, radio) so we need to always be aware of our source.
Summary: Explain the article in your own words. Do not just copy parts of the article word for word. A "Summary" section that meets expectations expresses the main ideas and provides several of the most important details. Writing this section develops skills necessary for deeper critical thinking as you evaluate information from throughout the article then decide how to best rewrite and communicate those ideas.
Significance: Make clear how this news is important and why others should be interested or care. We should always be in the habit of asking meaningful questions about new information and its impact. There are many ways in which this is possible. Consider any of the following questions in writing a "Significance" section that meets expectations:
- Source: "Dennis Rodman: Kim Jon Un Wants President Obama to 'Call Him'" by Kari Rea for ABC News.
- Summary: Former professional basketball player Dennis Rodman recently visited North Korea and met with its new leader, Kim Jon Un. Rodman is the first American to ever meet the North Korean leader after a trip arranged by VICE Magazine to preside over a basketball game in the country's capital. Rodman reports that Kim Jon Un does not want war with the United States and would like to speak with President Obama.
- Significance: North Korea has one of the worst records for human rights violations and is constantly threatening military attacks on the world. Kim Jon Un is an oppressive dictator and he is also very secretive so this is a significant opportunity for the American government and people to learn more about him. But I also think it is terrifying that the person with the greatest potential for insights about Kim Jong Un right now is Dennis Rodman. At least it is promising that he seems is at least saying he does not want war. Perhaps this event can lead to future negotiations with one of the world's most unstable and poor regions.
- Source: “Federal investigators study racial intimidation claims at Grand Haven High” from the Detroit Free Press on March 3, 2012
- Summary: Several students at Grand Haven High School are being investigated for incidents of racial intimidation against other students. There are several claims of racial slurs being used and evidence that at least one student was wearing Ku Klux Klan emblems and outfits. The school district has already punished some of the students and a federal investigation is ongoing.
- Significance: No student should have to worry about discrimination as it is their right to be educated. It is a good thing that these students are being punished for their behavior so that all people know this type of behavior is unacceptable. But I also hope these students receive the appropriate counseling to help them see the errors of their way.
To explain it a bit better…
Source: Identify where you found your news. Be as specific as possible! The "Source" of the news is just as important as the news itself. Every news outlet has a bias or tells the news in a way shaped by its format (television, print, online, radio) so we need to always be aware of our source.
Summary: Explain the article in your own words. Do not just copy parts of the article word for word. A "Summary" section that meets expectations expresses the main ideas and provides several of the most important details. Writing this section develops skills necessary for deeper critical thinking as you evaluate information from throughout the article then decide how to best rewrite and communicate those ideas.
Significance: Make clear how this news is important and why others should be interested or care. We should always be in the habit of asking meaningful questions about new information and its impact. There are many ways in which this is possible. Consider any of the following questions in writing a "Significance" section that meets expectations:
- How does this current event affect you or any other member of our community? Why does this matter or what lesson must you take away from it?
- How is this specific current event related to a larger problem or issue? Where do you stand in terms of this larger problem or issue?
- What might be the outcomes of this current event in the future?
- How does this reflect on values or trends of our time and society or the way in which they are changing?
- What is at stake in this current event?