Tuned In: The Importance of Peer Empathic Feedback in a Media Literacy Class With Foster Youth

• In Event: Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Media, Culture, and Learning SIG Roundtable: Exploring Media and Social Practices in Many Forms

Abstract

This action research reflects a four year longitudinal research of two media literacy instructors teaching digital and media literacy to a group of foster adolescents during a summer academy at a northeastern university. The paper describes how the instructors addressed challenges revolving around students’ collaboration, engagement and , critical thinking. Findings show the importance of incorporating Peer Empathic Feedback (PEF) using media literacy practices. The students’ use of PEF with different media platforms enhanced a portion of their cognitive skills and several of their social and emotional skills. Further research is needed to evaluate the process and outcomes of PEF during media production.

Authors

• Yonty Friesem, Central Connecticut State University

• Kelsey Greene, Columbia College Chicago