In this lesson students will learn about the importance of keeping detailed records of stories covered.It’s based on the article ‘The importance of keeping records‘, which we recommend you read before adapting this lesson plan for your own purposes.
Learning objective
Students will analyse the role of record-keeping in journalism by identifying key elements that contribute to comprehensive news coverage. They will evaluate how maintaining detailed records enhances the ability to provide context in breaking news situations.
- Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson the student will be able to explain why keeping detailed records is crucial for journalists and how it helps in reporting news stories with context.
- Standards: This lesson is designed to help students understand the importance of keeping detailed records of stories they have covered.
Learning activities
Warm-up
Begin with a brief discussion: “Why do you think keeping records is important in journalism?” Allow students to share thoughts. Then, present a scenario: “Imagine you’re a journalist covering a developing story. You need to provide background information quickly. What records would be helpful?” Encourage students to brainstorm types of records (e.g., past articles, interview notes). This primes them for understanding the role of record-keeping in providing context.
Direct instruction
- Conceptual understanding: Explain the historical context of record-keeping in journalism. Discuss how journalists traditionally kept records using physical methods like newspaper cuttings and notes. Highlight the transition to digital tools, emphasising that while technology has evolved, the core principles of record-keeping remain unchanged. Use real examples, such as a journalist’s personal archive, to illustrate the importance of maintaining records for context in news stories.
- Procedural skills and fluency: Demonstrate how to organise and categorise records effectively. Present a step-by-step process for setting up a digital record-keeping system. Include:
- Selecting relevant topics based on audience needs and personal interests.
- Using digital tools to tag and categorise information for easy retrieval.
- Sharing and collaborating on records with peers to enhance collective knowledge.
Provide a scenario where students must organise a set of digital articles and notes into a coherent system. Guide them through the process, ensuring they understand each step.
Application: Present a case study of a breaking news story. Ask students to identify what records would be necessary to provide comprehensive coverage. Discuss how these records add value and context to the story. Encourage students to think critically about the types of information that would enrich the narrative and how they would access and utilise these records in a real-world setting.
Guided practice
Think, Pair, Share
- Think: Ask students to individually reflect on a recent news story they found compelling. Have them list the types of records that would be essential for a journalist covering that story to provide context and depth.
- Pair: In pairs, students share their lists and discuss the reasons for choosing each type of record. Encourage them to consider how these records could enhance the story’s coverage.
- Share: Facilitate a class discussion where pairs present their findings. Highlight common records identified and discuss any unique suggestions. Emphasise how these records contribute to comprehensive news coverage.
- Connect: Guide students to connect their findings to the lesson’s learning objective. Discuss how maintaining detailed records supports journalists in providing context in breaking news situations.
- Reflect: Conclude with a brief reflection. Ask students to consider how they might apply these record-keeping strategies in their own work or studies. Encourage them to think about the importance of organisation and accessibility in record-keeping.
Independent practice
- Assign students to select a recent news story of interest.
- Instruct them to create a digital record-keeping system for the story.
- Require them to:
- Identify and save relevant articles, interviews, and notes.
- Tag and categorise each item for easy retrieval.
- Write a brief explanation of how each record adds context to the story.
- Direct students to practice a related exercise by placing placeholders where I should link to said exercise.
- Circulate to observe and support students as needed.
Assignment
Ask students these questions:
- What is one key reason journalists keep detailed records?
- How can digital tools enhance the record-keeping process for journalists?
- What’s one question you still have from today’s lesson?
Suggested answers:
- Suggested answer to Question 1: To provide context and depth in news stories.
- Suggested answer to Question 2: They allow for easier organisation, retrieval, and sharing of information.
Teacher resources
Differentiation guide
- Advanced learners: Encourage them to explore advanced digital tools for record-keeping, such as databases or specialised software. Suggest they analyse a complex news story, identifying nuanced records that add depth. Challenge them to create a presentation on how these records could influence public perception.
- Striving learners: Provide a simplified template for organising records. Use a guided worksheet to help them identify basic types of records. Pair them with peers for collaborative activities to build confidence. Offer additional examples and one-on-one support to reinforce understanding.
- Background reading: This lesson plan is based on the article ‘The importance of keeping records‘, which we recommend you read before adapting this lesson plan for your own purposes.
Notable definitions
- Record-keeping: The systematic process of collecting, organising, and maintaining information for future reference, ensuring accuracy and accessibility in journalism.
- Context: Background information that provides a deeper understanding of a news story, helping audiences grasp the significance and implications of events.
- Digital tools: Software and online platforms that facilitate the storage, organisation, and sharing of information, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of record-keeping in the digital age.
Required materials
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Digital storage tools (e.g., Google Drive, Evernote)
- Access to online news articles
- Note-taking software or apps
- Projector or screen for demonstrations
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.
