That's really interesting if it's true

I'm skeptical about the information Dan Gillmor shared with us this morning. (I think he'd like that.) He shared with us what he considers the principles of good journalism, one of which is to be skeptical of everything, but not equally skeptical of everything. It's been my experience that students are very gullible or trusting. That puts a lot of responsibility on teachers of every discipline to know their content and to practice tolerance for ideas that don't match their personal beliefs.

Another point he made that I believe is crucial to good journalism is to look for sources that oppose your opinion. He said we learn much more from people who do not agree with us than we do from those who do. It isn't as comfortable, of course. And I think teenagers are especially vulnerable in controversial conversations. They see attacks on their opinions as personal attacks. Sometimes the discussions can, in fact, escalate to that point. 


Perhaps role playing would help prepare students for those types of conversations.

Dan Gillmor explains his credibility scale to high school journalism teachers.

Donna Owen
McIntosh High School
Peachtree City, Georgia