Journalists who have mastered basic fact-checking skills need to develop systems for combating dealing with all forms of fake news.
We recommend that trainers read two articles on this site before adapting this lesson outline for their own purposes. Those articles are ‘Fact-checking and adding context‘ and ‘Beyond the basics of fact-checking‘.
Learning objective
Students will critically evaluate information by applying advanced fact-checking techniques to identify misinformation and disinformation. They will analyse claims using contextual analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and ethical awareness.
- Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson, I’ll be able to use advanced fact-checking skills to spot and analyse misinformation and disinformation.
- Standards: Students will learn how to build on their fact-checking skills in order to create a rigorous system for combating misinformation and disinformation and all forms of fake news.
Learning activities
Warm-up
Display a series of brief statements related to current events or common knowledge. Ask students to decide if each statement is true or false. Encourage them to consider the source, context, and potential biases. After each statement, prompt students to share their reasoning and discuss different perspectives. This will activate their critical thinking and prepare them for deeper fact-checking analysis.
Direct instruction
Conceptual understanding: Introduce the concept of misinformation and disinformation. Use real examples, such as a recent viral social media post, to illustrate the difference. Discuss the motivations behind spreading false information. Ask students to identify potential impacts on society. Facilitate a brief discussion on the importance of critical thinking in evaluating information.
- Procedural skills and fluency: Demonstrate the fact-checking process using a step-by-step approach. Select a claim from a reputable news source. Walk through the steps:
- Selection and prioritisation: Explain why this claim is significant.
- Research and verification: Show how to use tools like reverse image search and keyword search.
- Analysis and interpretation: Evaluate the credibility of sources and evidence.
- Publication and dissemination: Discuss how to present findings clearly.
- Application: Present a scenario where students must apply their fact-checking skills. Use a hypothetical news article with embedded claims. Instruct students to work in pairs to:
- Identify claims to fact-check.
- Use research tools to verify information.
- Analyse the context and potential biases.
- Prepare a brief report on their findings.
- Encourage students to consider ethical implications and the importance of transparency in their reports.
Guided practice
Think, Pair, Share: Guide students through a structured activity to reinforce fact-checking skills.
- Think: Present a new claim related to a current event. Ask students to individually analyse the claim, considering source credibility, context, and potential biases.
- Pair: Have students pair up to discuss their analyses. Encourage them to compare their findings and reasoning.
- Share: Facilitate a class discussion where pairs share their insights. Highlight diverse perspectives and correct any misconceptions. Use this opportunity to reinforce ethical considerations and transparency in fact-checking.
- Clarify: Address any questions or uncertainties that arise during the discussion. Provide additional examples or resources if needed.
- Reflect: Ask students to reflect on how their understanding of fact-checking has evolved. Encourage them to consider how they can apply these skills in real-world scenarios.
Independent practice
Assign students an exercise where they independently fact-check a short article containing multiple claims. Provide a placeholder for the article link. Instruct students to:
- Select one claim to verify.
- Use online tools to research and gather evidence.
- Analyse the context and identify any biases.
- Document their process and findings in a concise report.
- Encourage students to reflect on the ethical implications of their findings and the importance of transparency.
Assignment
Ask students these questions:
- How does contextual analysis enhance the fact-checking process?
- Why is ethical awareness important in fact-checking?
- What’s one question you still have from today’s lesson?
Suggested answers:
- Suggested answer to Question 1: Contextual analysis helps identify the source, audience, and motivations, providing a deeper understanding of the claim.
- Suggested answer to Question 2: Ethical awareness ensures fairness, transparency, and consideration of the impact on individuals and society.
Teacher resources
Differentiation guide
- Advanced learners: Encourage deeper exploration by having students fact-check more complex claims involving nuanced language or ambiguous evidence. Suggest they explore the ethical implications of fact-checking in different cultural contexts. Challenge them to create a presentation on the future of fact-checking, incorporating emerging technologies.
- Striving learners: Simplify tasks by providing structured templates for the fact-checking process. Use more straightforward claims for analysis. Pair them with peers for collaborative work to build confidence. Offer additional examples and guided practice to reinforce understanding.
- Recommended reading: As mentioned earlier we recommend that trainers read two articles on this site before adapting this lesson outline for their own purposes. Those articles are ‘Fact-checking and adding context‘ and ‘Beyond the basics of fact-checking‘.
Notable definitions
- Misinformation: False or misleading information spread without harmful intent. It often arises from misunderstanding or lack of knowledge.
- Disinformation: Deliberately false information spread with the intent to deceive or mislead. It is often used to manipulate public opinion or obscure the truth.
- Contextual analysis: The process of examining the circumstances surrounding a claim, including the source, audience, and potential motivations, to better understand its validity and implications.
Required materials
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Access to fact-checking tools (e.g., reverse image search, keyword search)
- Printed or digital copies of a hypothetical news article for analysis
- Notebooks or digital devices for note-taking and report writing
- Projector or screen for displaying statements and examples
Lesson summary
- Warm-up
- Direct instruction
- Guided practice
- Independent practice
- Assignment
The free teaching tools at the Khan Academy were used in the production of this lesson plan.
