This is the Media Bias Chart. It’s a unique way of laying out the complex media landscape in two dimensions: quality, on the vertical axis, and bias, on the horizontal axis. One of the important things to notice is that all media outlets have some level of bias. To get the best view of any given topic, it is a good idea to read widely and to look at how topics are being reported from different angles.

For more information about the reasoning behind this project, check out the website at Media Bias Chart 4.0: What's New, and click on the image for a larger version.

Keeping up-to-date on the latest trends in fake news and strategies for how to combat it can be difficult, but librarians are here to help you.

Consider partnering with a librarian to develop meaningful and engaging lessons for your students to learn how to spot fake news, find more reliable sources, and understand how it affects your subject area.

In the age of fake news, here’s how schools are teaching kids to think like fact-checkers.   (2018, February 12).

The revolutionary pedagogy of truths. (2019, April 23) .

Science audiences, misinformation, and fake news.   (2019, April 16)

Difficult Dialogues  via Vanderbilt University.

Sooner or later, every professor ends up in a classroom conversation that doesn't go as planned. Here are some suggestions that will prepare you for that day:

• Write a civil discourse statement for your syllabus.
• Pair speaking and listening as  learning objectives for your course.  
• Explain how you want to conduct conversations in your classroom.   
• Talk about free speech and how to exercise it responsibly.
• Discuss the difference between evidence (verifiable facts) and opinions.
• Structure discussions about controversial issues using techniques like think, pair and share, look for the most convincing pros and cons, use a signal for turn-taking, etc.
• Defuse a heated situation by taking a 5 minute time out  - switch to free writing about thoughts and feelings.

If you still feel like a conversation still caught you flat-footed, take the time to follow up with a more measured response or discussion.