About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
- a compelling and timely question;
- related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
- extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
- student graphic organizers;
- a simple debate tool;
- a teacher's guide to the module;
- and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should gentrification be stopped? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
Gentrification is a process that dramatically alters local neighborhoods. One of the primary changes linked to gentrification is the displacement of people as more affluent residents and businesses arrive, oftentimes forcing lower income residents and small businesses to leave. Gentrification occurs predominantly in large cities, but small towns can also face this kind of rapid development and change. For some, these changes are seen as improvements to historically disinvested areas. Others see gentrification as a negative process that displaces poorer residents and adversely affects local communities. Should gentrification be stopped?
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.
