Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ways to ensure that classroom discussions of
race and culture are respectful and productive?
Discussing issues that involve different races and
cultures presents an important opportunity for building
student empathy and understanding for others around the
world. To create a classroom environment where students
feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feelings about
diverse groups of people, start by being knowledgeable
and prepared. After reviewing the FRONTLINE/World resources
you plan to use, think through the issues at hand. Predict
the types of comments that might be made by your students
and plan how to gently correct misinformation or respond
to potentially offensive comments or labels.
You can also help students avoid stereotypes by asking
them to not generalize about groups. Encourage students
to stay away from the word, “they” when making
statements about a race or culture. Instead, ask them
to discuss the comments of particular individuals, use
statistics or point to specific evidence to support their
opinions. Also, whenever possible, conduct activities
that help students to step into the shoes of the culture
or race being studied.
Above all, maintain a neutral position during class
discussions so that students with alternative viewpoints
don’t feel minimized. For more tips on facilitating
respectful and productive classroom discussions, see
a related
Note for Teachers
at the FRONTLINE Web site.
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If I want to use FRONTLINE/World
activity ideas in the classroom, do I have to purchase
a videotape?
No. You can tape FRONTLINE/World programs off-air and
use them in the classroom for one year. In addition, you can
watch
each story in its entirety at the FRONTLINE/World Web
site. Of course, if your one-year taping rights have expired
or you prefer to have a copy of a program in your tape library,
you can always purchase
a program on videotape.
Check the broadcast
schedule to plan for upcoming programs. And subscribe
to FRONTLINE/World's email newsletter
to stay posted on future broadcasts, Web-exclusive features
and educational events.
For more information on PBS copyright policies, please
visit PBS TeacherSource's Copyright
Information.
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Why is FRONTLINE/World
a good fit for my classroom?
For one thing, the format is perfect for classroom use.
Each broadcast consists of three self-contained stories,
two about 20 minutes long and one about 10 minutes long.
This format allows in-depth coverage of important issues
while allowing teachers the flexibility of showing either
short excerpts or a full story within one class period and
still having time to conduct related activities.
Also, FRONTLINE/World is a fast-paced international
newsmagazine program, with a more personal, "backpack journalism"
style that students find highly engaging. Each story is
a journey of discovery that provides students with a contextualized
exploration of an important global issue. FRONTLINE/World
reporters have crossed the DMZ into normally forbidden North
Korea, covered conflicts in Lebanon and the Philippines,
ventured into the remote coffee-growing highlands of Guatemala
and southern Mexico, and much more.
And finally, the video stories are complemented by an
award-winning Web site that includes maps, facts and stats
on featured countries, story overviews, interactive activities,
timelines, reporter notebooks, complete transcripts, and
other helpful resources for the classroom.
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Can FRONTLINE/World
reporters come speak to my students?
Maybe. We'd be happy to consider any requests for guest
speakers and will try our best to make arrangements for
live or virtual (via computer) reporter visits. Email your
request to [email protected].
Please be understanding if the schedules of reporters and
your classroom do not coincide or if a reporter's current
story assignment deadlines must take precedence.
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Does FRONTLINE/World
ever have content that might not be appropriate for classroom
use?
At times, yes. In its coverage of violent conflicts, disturbing
images are sometimes shown that might be too strong for
students. Please be sure to preview any video content and
consider the maturity of your students and your school's
and district's media usage guidelines when deciding whether
to include the video in your lesson strategy. On the Web
site, profanity occasionally appears in reporter notebooks
and interview transcripts. Again, please preview and use
your professional judgment.
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How can I contribute educational
activity ideas for using FRONTLINE/World in the classroom?
FRONTLINE/World is always seeking talented educators
to write for its Web site. We'd also love to hear about
your experiences using FRONTLINE/World in the classroom.
Please email us at [email protected].
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