Fact vs. Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Fake News

Help students discern fact from fiction in the information they access not only at school but in the devices they carry in their pockets and backpacks.

The advent of the 24-hour news cycle, citizen journalism and an increased reliance on social media as a trusted news source have had a profound effect not only on how we get our news, but also on how we evaluate sources of information, share that information and interact with others in online communities. When these issues are coupled with the “fake news” industry that intentionally spreads false stories designed to go viral, educators are left facing a new and challenging landscape. This book will help them address these new realities, providing strategies and support to help students develop the skills needed to effectively evaluate information they encounter online.

The book includes:

• Instructional strategies for combating fake news, including models for evaluating news stories with links to resources on how to include lessons on fake news in your curricula.
• Examples from prominent educators who demonstrate how to tackle fake news with students and colleagues.
• A fake news self-assessment with a digital component to help readers evaluate their skills in detecting and managing fake news.
• A downloadable infographic with mobile media literacy tips.

The companion jump start guide based on this book is Fighting Fake News: Tools and Strategies for Teaching Media Literacy.

Audience: K-12 educators

Jennifer LaGarde has served as a classroom teacher, teacher librarian, digital teaching and learning specialist, and consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Friday Institute for Instructional Innovation. She currently works with educators and school and district-level leaders worldwide to develop innovative instructional practices. LaGarde’s work has been recognized by School Library Journal, The New York Times and The Carnegie Corporation. She holds a master’s degree in library science from Appalachian State University and National Board Certification in school library media. -- Jennifer LaGarde

Darren Hudgins is a former secondary social studies and career tech education (CTE) teacher, staff developer and coach, and is now director of instructional technology at the Organization for Educational Technology and Curriculum (OETC). In addition to his professional development responsibilities, Hudgins is the OETC events lead for several boutique events including IntegratED Portland | AcceleratED Portland, SPARK and Leading Schools. Hudgins holds an M.Ed. along with dual bachelor's degrees in human development and social sciences. -- Darren Hudgins