This free educational module provides an outline for teaching students about journalism basics. It’s designed to be adapted by universities and colleges to meet local requirements.
The format can be used for classroom-based teaching, blended learning, or guided self-study.
Foundations of journalism: roles, qualities, and practice
Level: Undergraduate or early-career journalist training
Duration: 6 Weeks
Delivery: Weekly sessions (2–3 hours per week) plus guided reading and assignments
Week 1: Understanding the role of journalism
Learning outcomes:
- Define the core role of journalism in society.
- Explore how journalism supports democratic functions.
Core reading:
Activities:
- Group discussion: “Why does journalism matter?”
- Case study reflection: Journalism’s impact in recent democratic events.
- Short writing task: Define journalism in your own words and explain its purpose.
Week 2: The journalist’s identity and responsibilities
Learning outcomes:
- Identify the personal and professional qualities essential for journalists.
- Understand the different roles and responsibilities of journalists.
Core readings:
Activities:
- Class brainstorm: List top five qualities of effective journalists.
- Roleplay: Ethical dilemma scenario involving conflicting journalistic roles.
- Peer feedback: Reflecting on your own journalistic qualities.
Week 3: Becoming a journalist – skills required
Learning outcomes:
- Describe the pathway and mindset necessary for success in journalism.
- Reflect on the personal commitment journalism demands.
- Differentiate between straight reporting and comment.
Core reading:
Activities:
- Journaling exercise: “Why do I want to be a journalist?”
- Small group task: Create a journalist’s code of personal values.
- Discussion: Personal values and comment v straight impartial reporting.
Week 4: Sources and newsgathering
Learning outcomes:
- Understand where news originates and how to identify a credible story.
- Introduce concepts of citizen journalism and their impact on mainstream reporting.
Core Readings:
- Where does news come from?
- Citizen reporting to citizen journalism
- Lesson: Where does news come from?
Activities:
- Group analysis of three recent news stories: Identify the source.
- Debate: “Citizen journalism strengthens professional journalism.”
- Workshop: Mapping the news sources in your community.
Week 5: News sense and the right questions
Learning outcomes:
- Develop critical thinking and questioning techniques for reporting.
- Learn how to sharpen ‘news sense’ and spot important angles.
Core readings:
- The questions every journalist should ask
- Lesson: The six essential questions
- Lesson: Developing and applying news sense
Activities:
- Question-writing drill using a mock scenario.
- Real story deconstruction: What questions were likely asked?
- Group challenge: Turn a bland news item into a sharper, more focused story using questioning techniques.
Week 6: Reporting on the ground
Learning outcomes:
- Apply techniques for productive, on-the-ground journalism.
- Reflect on the importance of persistence, observation, and curiosity.
Core reading:
Activities:
- News hunt activity: Walkabout reporting challenge in local area.
- Productivity audit: How do you manage time and priorities?
- Final reflection essay: “How I will apply shoe-leather reporting in my career.”
Assessment and reflection (ongoing)
- Weekly reflections: Short journal entries after each session.
- Portfolio: Include one story pitch, one sample article, and two analysis tasks.
- Group presentation: In Week 6, groups present on “The journalist I want to be.”
