Session 4: Small Group Activities for Creative Transfer of Media Literacy Concepts

Kelly Mendoza introduced transfer of learning activities where teachers practiced applying the five key questions of media literacy in creative ways by using role-playing, production simulation, and close analysis. Small groups of teachers transferred the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that were learned earlier in the day. A handout of each activity was provided for teachers. (click blue links for pdf files of full lessons)

Simulated Debate
Adolescents, Parents, and Rap Music on the Oprah Winfrey Show!
Group members read an article from The Boston Globe about adolescents, parents, and rap music. Then they role-play a character (some are from the article) who is an expert, artist, music fan, or parent appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and try to persuade others to agree with their character's point of view. They must communicate concisely and effectively--they're on TV!

Energy Drink Marketing and Web Design

Re-brand an Energy Drink
In this activity, group members pretend as if they work for a digital marketing company, and they have to re-brand Pimp Juice (a hip-hop energy drink), and design a new Pimp Juice website.

Crossing the Line

Where Do You Stand on the Influence of Hip Hop?

This activity, taken from the Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes Educator Guide, allows students to think about their own views on hip hop by nonverbally expressing those views. Students then come together to discuss why they chose to "cross the line" on various issues related to hip hop culture.

Representations of Masculinity in Hip Hop Culture

In pairs, students critically examined photos of masculinity in hip hop culture from recent music magazines. Students practiced critical inquiry using the key questions of media literacy. By focusing on visual techniques, they discussed the choices the photographer and graphic artist made in representing masculinity in hip hop culture