English V - Week 7 - Exploring Ethical Issues Related to the News

Introduction: In today's class we will have your first performance in which you participate in a 20 minute round table discussion related to the topics of fake news and repression of journalists. 

Warm Up: Halloween Trick-or-Treat Puzzle

Click the group link below and go to the section of the document that corresponds to your group number. Read the clues to solve the puzzle.

• Group Link: CLICK HERE

Task 1: Discussion Preparation

One person in your group should share their screen. Click play on the video timer and discuss the questions below for 7 minutes. While you are discussing, make an effort to include as many of the phrases from the chart as you can to help you interact with your partners.

• In journalism there is a famous saying "If it bleeds, it leads" which means, if the news story involves violence, conflict, or death, it becomes the primary story.

•  What do you think about this saying? Do you have any similar saying in Spanish?
• Why do you think these kinds of stories receive more attention and publicity than other kinds of news?
• What do you think when you hear the term "Yellow Journalism"?
• Do you think news like this can be damaging to individuals? To society?
• Do you think there should be limits on the kinds of stories the news can publish?

Roundtable Discussion: Ethical Issues in Media and Journalism

Performance 1: Learning Objective: Use evidence from individual research in order to contribute to a 20 minute group round table discussion on a topic related to a problem with media and journalism.

• Evaluation Rubric: CLICK HERE to see the rubric for this performance. 

Topics: These are the topics we will explore in our round table discussions. 

• Group 1: Fake News - Andrey, Cristiel, Freddy, Isabel, Kevin T, Nuria
• Audience Notes: CLICK HERE

• Group 2: Repression of Journalists - Marcela, Carlos, Gabriella, Paola, Cristian
• Audience Notes: CLICK HERE

• Group 3: Fake News - Heyner, Ian, Alexander, Kevin M. Vivian
• Audience Notes: CLICK HERE

Remember: You should use your notes during the discussion as a guide. However, you are NOT allowed to simply read your notes. You must speak spontaneously! Your discussion must last 20 minutes and follow the stages below. The questions are to stimulate your thinking. You do not have to answer them all. 

The Panel Discussion

• Part 1: Opening
• The roundtable discussion begins by definding the problem and analyzing its extent. 
• What is the problem exactly?
• Who or what is effected?
• How big of a problem is it?

• Part 2: Analysis
• The group then analyzes the potential causes and effects of the problem.
• Why does the problem exist?
• Are there any other contributing factors?
• What are the effects of the problem on the individual?
• What are the effects of the problem on society?
• Whata are some possible long term future effects?

• Part 3: Looking Forward
• The group discusses and evaluates potential solutions to the problem.
• How can the problem be fixed?
• What can individuals do?
• What should families do?
• What can society do?
• If it is not possible to completely eliminate the problem, how can it be reduced? 

• Part 4: Concluding Statements
• The discussion finishes with a summary of the points made and some final comments from the group members.