News+Analysis+Discussion


 * __ Monthly News Analysis Discussion Forum __**
 * __ Objectives __**** : ** The purpose of a news journal is to encourage students to become aware of current events presented in major-market newspapers and to critically study how stories are covered, written, and designed by encouraging them to regularly read and select their own news articles to read and respond to in writing. Further, it challenges readers to think about their own perceptions of issues and how media covers them. Finally, research shows that avid readers make better writers.

Each student will be placed into a smaller base group (see attached).
 * __ Assignment: __** **Article Critical Analysis**


 * Step 1: Find article: ** Each student will search through major-market newspapers, either locally or nationally, in order to find articles that interest, inspire, irritate, thrill, or even challenge readers. There is really no right or wrong article to select; but there are some criteria to consider. The articles you select must be full-length articles; that means no news briefs, cartoons, synopsis (i.e. short movie reviews), stand alone photo/caption combo, letters to the editor or any article less than 200 words in length.


 * Step 2: Post link or article: ** Find your base group on the wiki (i.e. Period 1, Group 1) and post either the active link or copy/paste the text of the full length article you choose. If you copy/paste the article, make sure the publication’s name, reporter’s name, date printed, and headline are included.

// If your group would prefer to create a Google Doc for the semester, make sure to “share” it with Mrs. Steil by the 15th of the month. //


 * Step 3: Critical Commentary: ** Under the link or copy/paste label your paragraph “Critical Commentary” and respond to the following questions:
 * 1) Write a //brief// summary of the article’s 5Ws and How (i.e. What is the point of the story, the message, or the opinion?). This can be 2-3 sentences.
 * 2) Reflect on the message or content of the article. Why did you select this one? What caught your attention?
 * 3) Comment on the writing style and language. Were there compelling quotes that caught your attention? How did the author use a variety of sentence structure, diction, and well-intentioned details to frame argument, purpose, and angle/focus?
 * 4) How did the media cover the issue; did this change the article or issue for you? Was there something you disagreed with? Your commentary is not limited to these questions, they are a starting point.

// *Steps 1-3 must be completed by the 15th of the month. //


 * Step 4: Asynchronous Discussion Responses ** (defined: a discussion where participants to do have to be present at the same time). The goal of this step is to provide an opportunity for you to interact with your peers and express your ideas. Asynchronous discussion enhances learning as you share your ideas, perspectives, and experiences with your classmates in your group. You develop and refine your analysis of newswriting and current events through this virtual discussion.

You will respond to at least two of your 5 group member’s articles. Responses should touch on the following:
 * 1) Message and content of the article
 * 2) Writing style and language
 * 3) Media coverage of the issue
 * 4) Misc. This could be other comments, observations, or ideas students have already written

// *Step 4 (two responses) must be completed by the 30th of the month. //

= =
 * __ Grading: __**
 * Steps 1-3 must be completed by the 15th of each month for credit. This is worth 25 points monthly. **


 * Step 4 must be completed by the 30th of each month. This is worth 10 points monthly. **

Step 1: The article selected fits within the criteria (i.e. full length articles, no briefs, cartoons, or synopsis). Article is interesting and allows for critical analysis.

Step 2: Article link is active and works for other students to access article. Copy/paste contains correct formatting and is readable.

Step 3: Critical commentary is well-developed, original, thorough, in-depth, and fully addresses all four questions. Responses make references (direct or paraphrased quotes) to specific examples cited within the news article.

Step 4: Asynchronous discussion responses demonstrates analysis of news article, as well as others’ posts. Responses extend beyond the obvious and build upon previous posts, while still providing original and insightful contributions.

Misc. grading: Posters communicate in a friendly, courteous and helpful manner. Each member contributes to discussion with clear, concise comments.

Attention to readability, grammar, mechanics, and AP Style are accurate, polished, and sophisticated.


 * __ Extra credit __**__ : Students may complete 1 additional News Analysis per semester—steps 1-3 (up to 50 additional points) __ . To complete the extra credit option, post or copy/paste your link or article. Respond to the 4 Critical Commentary questions. Print entire News Analysis and turn in for credit within the month completed. No News Analysis may be turned in after January 4.


 * Things to Remember **
 * Post in every discussion at least once with a comment that reflects that you’ve done the reading and thought about it without regurgitating the readings
 * Interaction should work toward establishing a collective understanding and moving discussions forward
 * Encourage and support sharing interesting ideas and concepts no matter how unpopular they are
 * Respect and be open to others’ comments and worldviews