In Moldova, the State Pedagogical Uniersity „Ion Creangă”, together with DW Akademie, is training school teachers throughout the country in Media Information and Literacy.
Media and Information Literacy in the classroom
Together with DW Akademie, the State Pedagogical University „Ion Creangă” in Chisinau has developed Moldova’s first MIL advanced training program for teachers. Participants and lecturers report on their impressions.
Dr. Alexandra Barbaneagra, Associate Professor, Rector of the Chisinau State Pedagogical State University „Ion Creangă”
„The University „Ion Creangă” offers teachers basic and advanced training. Media education contributes to the formation of the media culture of teachers, so that they become not only conscious and responsible media consumers, but are also able to promote the values of media literacy and to build students’ critical thinking during the educational process.”
Dr. Liuba Petrenco, Associate Professor
„Our course on Media and Information Literacy is an opportunity to meet the requirements of the contemporary world. MIL training can help teachers bring about positive changes in society. That’s because a good pedagogue does not only pass on knowledge to students, but teaches them to distinguish between good and bad, in this case true and false information in the media.”
Dr. Svetlana Dermenji, Associate Professor
„The MIL program is essential for our university because it helps teachers meet the challenges of a digital society. Using new communication tools, transmitting cultural values and teaching ways to change attitudes towards media, makes media education a highlight of our university curriculum.”
Svetlana Nigai, school teacher, ,,Grigore Vieru”, Chetrosu, Anenii Noi
„The media are a constant part of our lives and we need to be able to filter all the information we receive every day. I’ve now learned how to better guide young people in using the media and to help them develop analytical skills.”
Vladimir Vohmeanin, school teacher, „Mihail Kotiubinski”, Chisinau
„I was amazed that one can explain complex media concepts to children in such an easy and interesting way. We had very productive sessions and I’ve learned new approaches to working with the young.”
Irina Munteanu, school teacher, „Mihai Eminescu”, Ungheni
„The program has helped me in my own personal and professional development. We had great trainers and have learned to be critical media consumers. We also looked at the importance of students having social and cultural skills, especially when it comes to understanding and using the media. I have worked closely with other colleagues and developed self-confidence as a future MIL teacher.”
How can school teachers spark the students’ interest in Media and Information Literacy (MIL)? How can students become aware that it’s crucial they protect their own data on social media and check information before they spread it? In a joint project, DW Akademie and the State Pedagocial University “Ion Creangă” together with its Faculty of Continuing Education and Managemen are providing elementary and high school teachers with basic and advanced MIL training. The progam has four modules and offers teachers the skills and materials for teaching students how to assess the media critically – and confidently.
MIL was integrated in the country’s national school curriculum four years ago, thanks to a collaboration between the Independent Journalism Center of Moldova, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, and DW Akademie. The program introduces teachers to interactive approaches for teaching MIL.