Middle East/North Africa

Enshrining media and information literacy in school curricula

In 2018, the Palestinian Ministry of Education, the NGO Pyalara and DW Akademie succeeded in making media and information literacy an integral part of Palestinian school curricula. Here are seven important steps taken.

1. Find a committed and reliable partner

The basis for the development of a media and information literacy (MIL) curriculum is the partner organization's ties to the involved groups: young people, parents, teachers and school administrations. The local partner should be familiar with their needs and requirements and be aware of the type of content that can or cannot be created.
2. Working together as equals

The development of a MIL curriculum is a lengthy process that can only lead to success in a close cooperation with partners. Mutual trust, respect for creative freedom and the concerted development of criteria ensure high quality standards.
3. Continuing education

Digital technology and media use are developing rapidly. In order to stay up to date, ongoing training for those who develop the teaching material is essential.
4. Strong local integration

Knowledge of local media use and habits are the basis for the development of authentic MIL materials. It is also important to include local examples and address the local media landscape.
5. Regional networks

The fact that Arabic is the language of an entire region has great advantages because close networks ensure sustainability. Embedding the strategies locally is of great value. All across the Arab world, MIL is recognized as a key topic. This is an important time to be part of the development process. The exchange of experiences, e.g. at international conferences, opens up new possibilities.
6. Well-thought out lobbyist activities

In order to build up sustainable projects, it helps to include official institutions, like ministries. Local partners should be encouraged to establish an ongoing dialogue with state institutions. DW Akademie’s mission is to contribute ideas to make sure that the exchange between partners, authorities and politics thrives.
7. International knowledge exchange

An international exchange with teachers, MIL experts and educational institutions is the key to success. Also, educational trips to Germany strengthen the network and make it clear that there are mutual challenges and everyone benefits from cooperation. Exchange is not a one-way street.

1. Find a committed and reliable partner

The basis for the development of a media and information literacy (MIL) curriculum is the partner organization's ties to the involved groups: young people, parents, teachers and school administrations. The local partner should be familiar with their needs and requirements and be aware of the type of content that can or cannot be created.
2. Working together as equals

The development of a MIL curriculum is a lengthy process that can only lead to success in a close cooperation with partners. Mutual trust, respect for creative freedom and the concerted development of criteria ensure high quality standards.
3. Continuing education

Digital technology and media use are developing rapidly. In order to stay up to date, ongoing training for those who develop the teaching material is essential.
4. Strong local integration

Knowledge of local media use and habits are the basis for the development of authentic MIL materials. It is also important to include local examples and address the local media landscape.
5. Regional networks

The fact that Arabic is the language of an entire region has great advantages because close networks ensure sustainability. Embedding the strategies locally is of great value. All across the Arab world, MIL is recognized as a key topic. This is an important time to be part of the development process. The exchange of experiences, e.g. at international conferences, opens up new possibilities.
6. Well-thought out lobbyist activities

In order to build up sustainable projects, it helps to include official institutions, like ministries. Local partners should be encouraged to establish an ongoing dialogue with state institutions. DW Akademie’s mission is to contribute ideas to make sure that the exchange between partners, authorities and politics thrives.
7. International knowledge exchange

An international exchange with teachers, MIL experts and educational institutions is the key to success. Also, educational trips to Germany strengthen the network and make it clear that there are mutual challenges and everyone benefits from cooperation. Exchange is not a one-way street.

Date 22.06.2018
Number of pictures 7
Send us your feedback.
Print Print this page
Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/30424

SPECIAL

Middle East/North Africa

Enshrining media and information literacy in school curricula

1. Find a committed and reliable partner

2. Working together as equals

3. Continuing education

4. Strong local integration

5. Regional networks

6. Well-thought out lobbyist activities