Misinformation in the News? Become a Human Lie Detector (Ages 11-14)
In this critical thinking class, students learn about misinformation in the news and social media, and how human psychology and bias can cause us to fall for bad information. Learners will gain media literacy and research skills.
David Schwarz, MBDS, Critical Thinking
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(44)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
False and misleading information is everywhere. This 5-session 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. In the first class, students learn the psychological reasons why people fall for misinformation. Among other things, we will cover • how human bias and group identity can lead us astray • an examination of conspiracy theories and their appeal In the second and third classes, we focus on learning about and recognizing various forms of misinformation. On these days, we will address • the characteristics of good journalism • examples of misinformation in the media and social media • how to parse and research specific claims • how to judge the credibility of websites or articles • how to ask challenging questions when presented with information In the fourth class, students learn how to think scientifically. We will cover • the difference between scientific and unscientific thinking • how people reach bad conclusions by not understanding certain statistical and scientific concepts (no math done in class!) The final class is an immersive exercise where students put what they've learned into practice. They read an article with a comment section, and then assess the quality of this information. Students then decide how to learn more about this topic through internet searches and supplementary articles. 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! Fair warning: This will be a fun class, 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! For any questions about this course, feel free to contact the instructor.
Learning Goals
The main purpose of the class is to teach students how to think, not what to think. It is about learning how to critically assess information to see if it is true or not.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In this course, we will broach some politically sensitive topics. Students will look at headlines from various news organizations. We will discuss the nature of conspiracy theories, many of which involve violence. We will discuss misinformation as it pertains to COVID, among other topics.
I will not promote a political agenda. On the contrary, I will highlight misinformation that originates from across the political spectrum.
Also, please note that in this course, students will be encouraged to answer quiz-style questions via an outside resource -- the Kahoot platform. Kahoot does not require students to have an account; it does not collect any private information. Students may opt out, if desired, without missing out on much, as this is a minor part of the class.
Supply List
No supplies needed.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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
Live Group Class
$79
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 36 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-7 learners per class
