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Integrating Media Literacy Education into Teaching English & Language Arts

Media education is most easily (and most often) integrated into English, language arts and communications classes. This Q&A will guide you in that effort.

What does the National Council for Teachers of English say about teaching media literacy in the classroom?

"Media literacy refers to composing, comprehending, interpreting, analyzing, and appreciating the language and texts of...both print and nonprint. The use of media presupposes an expanded definition of 'text'...print media texts include books, magazines, and newspapers. Nonprint media include photography, recordings, radio, film, television, videotape, video games, computers, the performing arts, and virtual reality...constantly interact...(and) all (are) to be experienced, appreciated, and analyzed and created by students." (Source: NCTE, Commission on Media, Carole Cox, 1994, p.13)

What are the ELA standards on media literacy in my state?

Media educator Frank Baker has built a matrix showing where all 50 states have at least one reference to media studies in the ELA curriculum. Ready-to-use summaries for California, Missouri and Michigan (locations of previous NAMLE conferences) here are printer-friendly PDFs: California state curriculum standards that incorporate teaching media literacy; Missouri Grade Level Expectations incorporating media literacy skills; and standards for Michigan K-8 English Language Arts and Michigan High School English Language Arts.

How do I begin integrating media education into my daily teaching?

Start with this outstanding, clear, easy-to-read 12-page How to Integrate Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Into Any Curriculum (opens a PDF file in a new window) from Project Look Sharp at Ithaca College in New York, where many teachers learn how to incorporate media literacy into their classrooms.

Also check out the Media Education Lab at Temple University, which offers an outstanding free collection of education resources that will help you get started, including a Code of Best Practices for Fair Use in Media Literacy Education.

Are there textbooks to help me learn about media/media literacy?

Yes. For the best books and teaching materials selected and reviewed by members of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, visit TeachMediaLiteracy.org and use the pull-down menus at the top of the page to select your grade level and curriculum area English/Language Arts, then hit the GO button.

What other resources are available?

• Project LookSharp at Ithaca College has excellent materials, training and support for the effective integration of media literacy with critical thinking into classroom curricula at all education levels
• Center for Media Literacy is a consulting company built on the foundation of the former non-profit of the same name. It provides curricula, professional development, implementation and research "to prepare educators, parents and children with the media literacy skills necessary to be enlightened, engaged citizens of a global media culture." An excellent Reading Room has many background articles.
• Media Education Foundation MEF has one ELA-specific title, Peter Elbow on Writing, (check the Specials link for reduced price info), plus many outstanding, thought-provoking materials you can use to stimulate analysis and reflection for writing assignments. Most videos (also in DVD format) have printed discussion guides, and are primarily for older teens, college-age and adults. Topics include gender roles and sexism, global media issues, consumer culture, media portrayals of race and sexual orientation, media violence, alternative viewpoints, and much more.
• New Mexico Media Literacy Project CD-ROM teaching resources, study guides and other materials, primarily around media influence on young people through advertising.

Are there online lesson plans relevant to critical thinking and viewing, advertising, bias, language of TV/film, writing & media?

• Media Awareness Network See The Lesson Library on the right sidebar, with search capability by topic area and grade level. This is an outstanding site, and demonstrates how far the U.S. has to go in integrating media education into our curricula.
• PBS Teacher Source has a huge collection of lesson plans and activities.
• Media Literacy Clearinghouse has a wealth of information and links.

Are there organizations and professional development opportunities to help me with my media literacy teaching?

Yes. Check  out our Community page, and review our Calendar of conferences & events.

Is there a media literacy list serve or discussion group I can join to network with others like me?

Yes, our Community page has that information.

Once you learn to look and listen with media-literate eyes and ears, and to create your own messages in new media formats, your life will never be the same. That's good! Enjoy the journey.

Many thanks to media literacy consultant/speaker Frank Baker (editor of Media Literacy Clearinghouse and advisor to MediaLiteracy.com), for his help with this Teaching section.