The first campaign commercials were aired on television in 1952, and from their inception, children have played a critical role in the framing of political ads. Understanding these frames provides important insight into a powerful communication element that is used to influence opinions by connecting with deeply held beliefs about American…

The next American president will likely be the candidate who crafts the best "impression" in the media. It is the job of social studies teachers to help students separate impressions from substance and to understand the role that media play in crafting people's meaning making and shaping their decision making. Social studies teachers can help…

Examines media portrayals of Mexican immigrants, and interplay between these images and portrayals of U.S.-born Latinos. Argues that examining media images is imperative because the influence of media saturation is almost overwhelming. Suggests a media-literacy framework for developing abilities for interpreting media and giving students control…

Surveys ERIC/ChESS resources on both the influence of television on children and methods for using television effectively in the classroom. Titles of documents include "Getting Through: The Use of Media in the Classroom"; "Censorship, the Classroom, and the Electronic Environment"; and "Inside Television. Instructor's…

Presents a brief history of minority involvement in journalism, focusing on the effects of the Kerner Commission Report of 1979. Points out that 20 years later, the number of minority journalists has increased only slightly. Suggests that professional groups should work together to urge the media to diversify. (LS)

Believes that using popular culture images of law, lawyers, and the legal system is an effective way for teaching about real law. Offers examples of incorporating popular culture images when teaching about law. Includes suggestions for teaching activities, a mock trial based on Dr. Seuss's book "Yertle the Turtle," and additional…

We often hear that democracy is not a spectator sport. This is certainly true of trial by jury, a cornerstone of our democracy, which depends on the willingness of Americans from all walks of life to devote themselves to the difficult work of determining another person's guilt or innocence of a crime. But the work of those citizens selected to…

Presents television as an instrument through which adolescents can gain social experience and strengthen social development. Examines the link between watching television and social relationships, discussing how television viewing can provide "blueprints" for behavior in social situations. Lists four steps for using television as a learning tool.…

Determines that the elements that make information or events newsworthy include (1) the effect on our lives or community; (2) timeliness; (3) human interest; (4) the unusual; (5) proximity; (6) personalities; and (7) controversy. Examines how a reporter or editor's background, including culture, ethnicity, and education, can influence the news.…

Offers three public policy perspectives on the issue of juvenile violence: (1) kids need a nonviolent popular culture; (2) kids at risk need more help; and (3) kids need more moral discipline. Presents a way to approach each of the perspectives. (Contains references.) (CMK)

Explores the way in which the U.S. history standards debate was conveyed to the public in selected newspapers particularly focusing on who was given a place in the public dialogue. Finds that the most represented group were the academicians/educators while students and K-12 teachers had little voice in the debate. (CMK)

Highlights the potential for television as an instructional medium. Recognizes that television is a fact of life and a major determinant of what citizens know about history. Concludes that television has helped to create the information age, and the challenge of the information age needs to be addressed by our schools. (GEA)

Summarizes a wealth of evidence establishing a causal relationship between television viewing and violence. Outlines a series of corrective measures available within the fields of media literacy, public policy, and education. Briefly discusses related issues such as government versus self-regulation, and First Amendment protections. (MJP)

Points out the power that television has in shaping opinions and in promoting and banishing stereotypes. Presents examples of positive role models in both entertainment and news programing. Emphasizes the importance of reflecting a pluralistic society in news reporting. (LS)

Presents two lesson plans to help students understand how news managers exercise judgment, how the media shapes public perception of people, places, and things, and how to recognize the importance of balanced news coverage. Each lesson includes objectives, a scenario, discussion questions, activities, and an evaluation. (LS)