Students Witnessed Charlie Kirk's Alleged Murder Video: My Reaction Explained
==================================================================================================================
In a classroom at South Burlington High School in Vermont, social studies teacher Christie Nold has established a routine that helps students navigate complex and sensitive topics, such as the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Each day, the class focuses on a different aspect of media, using excerpts from six different news sources. The routine involves students discussing headlines, predicting what they might see, and sharing their observations. This dedicated space allows for discussion following any major event while ensuring that students have opportunities to bear witness to news that matters most to them.
When bringing current events into the classroom, it's essential for educators to remember their role in critical conversations. They should create conditions to discuss local and global events, reference course standards, consider curriculum connections, and evaluate support (or lack of support).
On the day following the shooting, many students brought up the murder of Charlie Kirk. To guide the discussion, students watched a video from the Center for Civic Education and were asked if all media is biased. They were then asked to identify the perspective of each source and explore the ideas of perspective and bias.
Struggling students during the news cycle might be best supported by school counselors or social workers. Teacher unions in the United States vary by district, with some allowing the use of social media like Facebook and Twitter during work hours for educational purposes, while others prohibit personal use to prevent distractions and maintain professionalism.
Through leaning into the challenge of discussing current events, rather than away from it, educators can help support young people in navigating their world. Engaging in current events can come with varied levels of risk, depending on the school community. Schools that support educators to engage openly in critical conversations recognize it is not about teaching students what to think but rather how.
Students were given time to reflect on the importance of recognizing and checking for bias in news. Resources from Civic Online Reasoning and the Center for Civic Education can be helpful tools when diving into media literacy as a lens through which to consider discussing current events.
In moments like these, teacher clarity of role is crucial, and building a bridge to additional professionals in the building when needed is essential. By establishing a routine, fostering open discussions, and equipping students with the tools to critically evaluate news, Christie Nold's approach demonstrates how educators can help students navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape.
Read also:
- Conducting Extensive Investigative Work at the Local Level for Political Elections
- Political Divide and the Employment of Technology in Electoral Strategies
- CDU South Thuringia is likely to be designated by Maas
- Application solicitations for PhD in Law at DAU School of Law for the academic year 2025-26 are now open
