Conflict of interest is a concept high school journalists don't seem to understand, so today's discussion of the "No No" list was especially valuable to me. Each first day of class, the editors and I have our new staff writers fill in emergency cards. The last question asks them to list their five best friends and their boyfriend/girlfriend. They don't realize why they're sharing that info until we later tell them that they may not use any of those people as sources in their stories.
It seems, however, that they still gravitate to the most approachable and popular teachers, administrators, and classmates for quotes for their stories. Having the "No No" list posted in the room would prevent quote overload from the same sources.
One of my biggest challenges is getting my writers to attribute people who aren't in their friend/age/socioeconomic/neighborhood/ethnic group. They are apprehensive to talk to people who don't look or think like they do. I would appreciate my colleagues' input and suggestions.
Cindy Hogentogler
Central York High School
York,Pa.
I'm also a big fan of the "No No List." It's been understood since before I took over the job that my publications students don't quote each other (unless other publications students are the only participants in a certain event). But I like the idea of expanding that list to include friends, significant others, etc. A written list that gets posted in the room makes it more official than me simply saying, "Don't interview these people."
ReplyDeleteOne technique I use with my students to encourage them to interview diverse sources is something we call Beat Sheets. Every other week, the editors of the newspaper and yearbook submit topics about which they need quotes for stories. On Fridays, all publications students must submit 4 Beat Sheets worth a total of 100 points. Depending on the topics that are submitted, only certain students would be viable subjects of interviews. While the students only need to get one quote about the particular topic per Beat Sheet, they do need to branch out and talk to students they wouldn't normally speak with in order to get the information they need.
The Beat Sheets combined with a "No No List" could lead to lots more coverage of students who might not be featured in the publications otherwise!
Love the idea of the no-no list as well. I think that it certainly can help with organization and if you couple that with the beat sheet, I think it automatically builds in opportunities to stretch beyond what is comfortable for students.
ReplyDeleteJen C
NHHS
Pylesville, MD
Yesterday morning I began a group email correspondence with my upcoming newspaper editors sharing journalism tidbits and worthwhile ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe first pointer? Put all other prospective colleges on the very back burner and seriously consider ACU for journalism/communications or related majors. As well, I added a compelling youtube video about the Walter Cronkite School.
This morning, I sent them a glossary of my classmates' buzzwords: stalker list, No No list, Beat Sheets.
The daily jargon list is not only for their benefit but also for mine. Every day, I am learning so much that it helps to debrief by penning my thoughts in the early morning.