A Study on a College Writing Course Model Utilizing Public Service Advertisements

Abstract

This study proposes a column-writing course model that utilizes public service advertisements (PSAs) and aims to elucidate the educational effectiveness and significance of the course through a survey conducted among learners. The study participants consisted of 99 learners enrolled in the course “Media Society and Critical Writing,” which is part of the mandatory liberal arts curriculum, <Critical Thinking and Expression>, at Soongsil University. The course model is designed with the goal of analyzing various social issues presented in PSAs, collaboratively exploring solutions with peers, and ultimately completing a column. The design reflects Bransford et al. (1998) “IDEAL Problem Solving” method, the Engaged Learning<sup>+</sup> approach implemented at Soongsil University, and the core competencies outlined by the World Economic Forum (2023). This paper aims to enhance learners' creative and analytical thinking, facilitate the establishment of social and self-awareness among students through their communication with others, and assist in articulating these insights in a column format. Additionally, a key design goal of this course model is to enable learners to concretely articulate the process of understanding and empathizing with the difficulties of others, which they may not have personally experienced, through the analysis of PSAs. The survey conducted among the learners revealed that this course model significantly contributed to improving their abilities in media text analysis, communication, and writing.