Teaching Students to Decode the World

<p><strong>In our media-saturated environment how can we teach students to distinguish true statements from those that are false misleading or manipulative?</strong> How can we help them develop the skills needed to identify biases and stereotypes determine credibility of sources and analyze their own thinking and its effect on their perceptions?<p>In <em>Teaching Students to Decode the World</em> authors Chris Sperry and Cyndy Scheibe tackle these questions as they introduce readers to constructivist media decoding (CMD) a specific way to lead students through a question-based analysis of media materials--including print and digital documents videos and films social media posts advertisements and other formats--with an emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration. Drawing from their decades of experience as teachers consultants and media literacy advocates the authors explain how to<p>* Develop and facilitate CMD activities in the classroom and in virtual teaching environments;<br>* Implement CMD across the curriculum at all grade levels;<br>* Connect CMD with educational approaches such as project-based learning social-emotional learning and antiracist education;<br>* Incorporate CMD into assessments; and<br>* Promote CMD as a districtwide initiative.<p>This comprehensive guide explains the theoretical foundations for CMD and offers dozens of real-life examples of its implementation and its powerful impact on students and teachers. Equipped with CMD skills students will be better able to navigate a complex media landscape participate in a democratic society and become productive citizens of the world.</p>