In Teaching Students to Decode the World, authors Chris Sperry and Cyndy Scheibe tackle these questions as they introduce readers to constructivist media decoding (CMD), a specific way to lead students through a question-based analysis of media materials--including print and digital documents, videos and films, social media posts, advertisements, and other formats--with an emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration. Drawing from their decades of experience as teachers, consultants, and media literacy advocates, the authors explain how to
* Develop and facilitate CMD activities in the classroom and in virtual teaching environments;
* Implement CMD across the curriculum, at all grade levels;
* Connect CMD with educational approaches such as project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and antiracist education;
* Incorporate CMD into assessments; and
* Promote CMD as a districtwide initiative.
This comprehensive guide explains the theoretical foundations for CMD and offers dozens of real-life examples of its implementation and its powerful impact on students and teachers. Equipped with CMD skills, students will be better able to navigate a complex media landscape, participate in a democratic society, and become productive citizens of the world.