Self-Paced: Misinformation in the News? Become a Human Lie Detector
In this critical thinking class, students will learn about misinformation in the news and social media, and how human psychology and bias can cause us to fall for bad information. They will gain important media literacy and research skills.
David Schwarz, MBDS, Critical Thinking
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(44)
What's included
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. This course consists of watching 11 videos over five sections. The typical video is about 15 minutes long. Students will also be given homework to complete after each section. It should take students around 30 minutes after each section to complete these assignments. They include taking short quizzes, doing independent internet searches and reporting back results, writing a little about a topic provided, and engaging in creative exercises (such as inventing conspiracy theories or turning simple headlines into emotionally manipulative ones).Assessment
I will give feedback on each assignment. I'm also happy to answer any questions students may have.Class Experience
False and misleading information is everywhere. This 5-section SELF-PACED course is designed to help students identify misinformation, understand why people fall for it, and explain how we can navigate a world filled with it. Please note that this course has NO live meetings. Learners will watch videos and complete homework. Feedback on assignments will be given by me, the teacher. I absolutely love giving feedback and will gladly answer any questions that students may have. Fair warning: This is a fun course, where silly examples of misinformation will be given, and with fun exercises to engage students. However, it will not be limited to just that. Misinformation is worth learning about because it affects important topics. Serious, real-life examples will be discussed, as well, including those that involve violence. I do not delve deeply into these topics, but they do get brought up. Also, if it bothers you to scrutinize Democrats, Republicans, left-leaning media, right-leaning media, and uninformed social media posts, this class is not for you! There are few things more important than separating fact from fiction. Come join us in this highly relevant course to learn how to protect against misinformation!
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Why People Fall for Misinformation
This section explains how human bias and group identity can make us vulnerable to misinformation. It includes an examination of conspiracy theories and their appeal. Lesson 2:
How to Recognize Misinformation in the World
This lesson begins by introducing learners to the characteristics of good journalism. Then, students see examples of misinformation in the media (and social media) before learning a 4-step guide for analyzing information. Lesson 3:
More Misinformation, More Ways to Deal with it
This section concerns itself with additional methods for how misinformation spreads. Students learn an important skill for how to judge the credibility of websites or articles. Lesson 4:
How to Think Scientifically
This lesson explains the differences between scientific and unscientific thinking. Special emphasis is placed on how people reach bad conclusions because they don't understand certain statistical and scientific concepts. (No math performed in class!) Other Details
Parental Guidance
In this course, I will broach some politically sensitive topics. Students will look at headlines from various news organizations. I will discuss the nature of conspiracy theories, many of which involve violence. I will discuss misinformation as it pertains to COVID, among other topics. I do not dwell on these topics, but they are present in the course.
I will not promote a political agenda. On the contrary, I will highlight misinformation that originates from across the political spectrum. I make a point to say that some issues are a matter of opinion and that there's nothing wrong with conflicting opinions; this class is concerned only with getting the facts right.
Parents should be comfortable with students doing Google searches and reporting back what they've found.
This class is appropriate for students 11 and up. I have taught this class to many students as young as 11 without complaint.
Supply List
No supplies needed.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2021
4.9
44reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
In 2020, I earned a Master’s degree in Behavioral and Decision Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania. This course is a direct reflection of what I learned in that program.
The main theme of this class is how human bias (in its many forms) can make us susceptible to falling for misinformation, and how we can be aware of these biases. Additionally, I will teach examples of good statistical reasoning and common statistical mistakes – coursework that comes from what I learned at the University of Pennsylvania (and explained simply for a younger audience). I have experience using the scientific method in the social sciences, and in writing research reports that focus significantly on the theme of bias.
I have kept up-to-date on the latest research published in this field. I am also familiar with practical solutions used to fight misinformation in real world.
This course also covers journalistic standards, and the role that the media plays in informing – and sometimes misinforming – the public. I have experience in journalism. In high school, I was Editor-in-Chief of a school newspaper that was awarded the best in Washington State. The newspaper also won national recognition with a Pacemaker award.
I have teaching experience as undergraduate at Haverford College. As a teacher’s assistant, I taught Philosophy to 18 and 19 year-olds.
I have coached youth soccer for many years.
I strive to teach my kids something new every day! I have taught them the material in this course.Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$16
weekly or $79 for all content5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 10 learners
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Ages: 11-16
