About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
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a compelling and timely question;
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related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
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extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
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student graphic organizers;
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a simple debate tool;
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a teacher's guide to the module;
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and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should the United States require a year of national service? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
The U.S. Constitution is based upon the freedom to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." At the same time, volunteerism and service for the benefit of society are deemed worthwhile pursuits for people young and old. Prominent lawmakers and activists say that mandatory national service will strengthen our communities and increase young people’s pride for their country while academics and others state that practical implementation issues prevent this from becoming a reality. In this polarized country, will a year of compulsory national service unite people from different stations of life?
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.
