Journalism Students Research Articles

A human-centric approach to countering disinformation

Throughout all European countries, disinformation, the prevalence of false narratives and the rise of online radicalism are recognized as profound instances of “dysfunctional communication” driving contemporary societies toward populist polarization and conflict. As traditional guardians of knowledge authority and epistemic commons, the news media takes a bold stance in combatting disinformation, even though the profession is facing significant challenges in terms of business and trust production.
 How should journalism education respond to the increasing epistemic uncertainties and develop the essential skills and capacities for digital information verification, while fostering the commitment for ethical communication and serving the public good?
 This paper discusses the development and teaching of contemporary journalistic professionalism as a social process sustained via different digital mediums and contextualized within real-world events. Using the example of the pilot study, it suggests that within contemporary journalism education, there is a growing requirement to cultivate a collaborative ethos among journalists and sources, starting within the university setting. The experience gained from the source verification class, tested with Lithuanian journalism students in a collaborative learning situation, reveals fact-checking practices that anticipate the development of epistemic capacities and self-efficacy, crucial for resilient journalistic professionalism.

Shifting Spaces: How Journalism Students Perceive their Training through the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT This study explores how journalism students in one Canadian post-secondary programme perceived their training through the pandemic. We draw on journalism pedagogy literature, Bourdieu’s field theory, and Zelizer’s conceptualisation of interpretive communities to interrogate how remote learning disrupted opportunities for socialisation in the journalistic field. Through surveys of and interviews with students, we identify shared narratives of loss and perceptions of precarity in journalism careers. We argue emerging journalists’ perceptions of the pandemic period contribute to mapping the field and its practices. We conclude by considering how shared pandemic narratives of disruption add to conversations that interrupt the reproduction of spaces that foster burnout or overwork, as students and educators seize opportunities to reframe how journalism operates and how it is taught.

대학생의 성찰일지 작성 및 공유에 관한 학습 경험과 교육적 효과

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore learning experiences and student performances of writing and sharing reflection journals of college students in a lecture-based class. For this purpose, this research analyzed the contents of the students' reflection journal documents in ‘Multicultural Society and Education’ class. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with five purposefully sampled students. First, the aspects of learning experience through analysis of the contents of the reflection journal were derived as follows: 1) in-depth thinking experience, 2) active learning experience, 3) significant learning experience, and 4) reflective learning experience. Second, the educational effects of writing reflection journals included 1) meta-cognition, 2) understanding one's opinions and arguments, 3) long-term memory, 4) effective writing skills, and 5) promoting change of challenging behavior. Third, the educational effects of sharing reflection journals included 1) intellectual stimulation, 2) development of learning strategies, 3) empathy and receptive Attitude, 4) expansion of perspectives on phenomena, and 5) engagement as an instructional designer. Based on the research results, theoretical and practical implications for college students' reflection journals were presented.

Words and numbers: a comparative study of medical and journalism students’ descriptors of risk, numeracy and preferences for health risk communication

BackgroundGiven the complementary roles of health professionals and journalists in communicating health risks to patients and the public, there have been calls for physicians to work with journalists to improve the quality of health information received by the public. Understanding the preferences of medical and journalism students for the way in which health risks are communicated and their understanding of words used to describe risk is an important first step to inform interdisciplinary learning.MethodsMedical and journalism students (n = 203) completed an online survey where they were given qualitative descriptors of risk such as ‘a chance’, ‘probably’ and ‘unlikely’, and asked to assign a number that represents what the word means to them. Different formats of communicating risk (percentages, natural frequency and visual aids) were provided and students were asked to select and explain their preference. A thematic analysis of reasons was conducted. Numeracy and perceived mathematics ability were measured.ResultsNumbers assigned to the descriptor ‘A chance’ had the highest variability for medical students. Numbers assigned to the descriptor ‘Probably’ had the highest variability for journalism students. Using visual aids was the most popular format for risk communication for both courses (56% of medical students and 40% of journalism students). Using percentages was twice as popular with journalism students compared to medical students (36% vs. 18%). Perceived mathematics ability was lower in students with a preference for natural frequencies and in journalism students, however performance on an objective numeracy scale was similar for all three formats (percentages, natural frequency and visual aids). Reasons for choosing a preferred format included good communication, eliciting a response, or learning style.ConclusionsEducation on health risk communication for medical and journalism students should emphasize the need for qualitative descriptors of risk to be combined with the best available number. Students are already considering their role as future communicators of health risks and open to tailoring the mode of presentation to their audience. Further research is required on the design and evaluation of interdisciplinary workshops in health risk communication for medical and journalism students to maximise the opportunities for future inter-professional working.

Television Journalism: Information Technologies during Distance Education

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the article</em></strong><em> is to analyze new forms and methods of distance education for television journalism students in a higher education institution during the Covid-19 pandemic and the use of modern digital technologies for the production of audiovisual content during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology. </em></strong><em>A set of methods was used in the course of the research. The description of distance learning technologies is based on the analysis, synthesis and systematization of the material; the method of comparison has become the key in the study of modern mobile applications as the main tools in the acquisition of practical skills and abilities by prospective television journalists.</em></p><p><strong><em>Results.</em></strong><em> The formation of new approaches to online teaching of practical television journalism courses is an urgent need nowadays. The systematization of the research results shows that distance education in times of emergency in Ukraine has become one of the most effective learning technologies, and it is developing quite rapidly due to advances in information technology and computer hardware. Today, the Moodle e-learning system is a powerful platform for mastering a number of practice-oriented courses. At the same time, new tools and instruments are emerging to help develop practical skills in the chosen specialty. Thanks to a number of mobile applications with various editors, prospective TV professionals can use in practice their library and a fairly wide range of both traditional and more complex functionality: Emotion Sense Technology (Magisto), 4D special effects (Likee), live broadcasts, filming and simultaneous publication of audiovisual content on the web, etc.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty. </em></strong><em>Analyzing the best practices of teaching professional disciplines in television journalism in a distance format and finding new forms and methods for mastering these practical courses is the way to provide quality educational services and the key to successful graduate fulfillment in the media industry.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance. </em></strong><em>The use of modern technologies and mobile applications in distance education (along with available educational and methodological materials) will help students acquire the set of practical skills necessary for further independent work, despite the challenges of today.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Key words: </em></strong><em>television journalism, distance learning, digital technologies, mobile applications, media content production, distance media education.</em></p>

The Answering of Wh-Questions In Newswriting Class of Students Academic Year 2021 Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat

The purpose of this study was to understand how journalism students apply the 5w 1h response in their news writing. This study is a qualitative study. The data source of this study is the thematic text in the mid-semester exam of journalism students in 2021.Data was collected by analyzing the students' test text using the document checklist. Let it be, there are six uses to be seen, the answers being what, who, where, when, why and how. The results showed that out of 16 news tests taken by students, only 6 students fully answered factor 5w 1h. While the other 10 people did not answer all the items 5w 1h in their article, 2 people did not answer how, 4 people did not answer why, 1 person did not answer who, 4 people did not answer when. Meanwhile, everyone answers what and where. The data reveal why these ten news reports were incomplete, because their reports focused not on a single event but on two or three events that they mentioned in their reports. These students do not start the newsletter with important information but discuss other related topics besides current events. As a result, the discussion in the newsletter is not focused and therefore the 5w 1h factor is no longer taken into account.

Affective geographies and tribal epistemologies: studying abroad during COVID-19

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between epistemologies, tribalism and affect in the experiences of Chinese international students studying in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on data from student diaries, interviews, and focus groups, it explores how boundaries between in-groups and out-groups were erected and dismantled through processes of socio-temporal scaling, whereby social actors configured affective geographies by linking local spatial relationships to higher level (national and international) scales. The analysis reveals how negative emotions like fear of infection led to practices of spatial distancing and the drawing of cultural boundaries between groups, while feelings of worry about family members in China shaped communication patterns and information flows across geographic spaces. At times, however, positive emotions like affection and sympathy helped participants transcend boundaries, leading them to readjust their emotional mappings of the world and reevaluate their beliefs about COVID. The study highlights the central role affect and emotional labor play both in the formulation of epistemologies around health and in the drawing of boundaries between groups.

DISSEMINATION OF FAKE AND INCORRECT INFORMATION ON SOCIAL NETWORKS

The article discusses disseminating fake and inaccurate information on various social media platforms. The authors examine the emergence and evolution of the term "fake". In recent years, there has been a shift in content consumption on social media and an expansion of audience participation in its production and dissemination. The research aims to identify verification algorithms and sociometric indicators of fake and inaccurate information by analyzing sources of their dissemination and assessing their impact on society. The scientific novelty and significance of the work are not just theoretical, but also have practical implications. The study focuses on dealing with inaccurate information on popular social media platforms in Kazakhstan, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The inclusion of misinformation and fakes in the political, economic, and social agenda underscores the relevance of research in this area. The work's practical significance lies in its potential use for training media trainers, media representatives working in fact-checking systems and journalism students. This application of the research can empower these individuals to combat fake news effectively. The conclusion highlights that the development of electronic technologies and the emergence of new media platforms have not only led to new strategies for creating and delivering content , but also to the dissemination of inaccurate information. This has fundamentally changed the tactics of information consumption, with the audience now playing a crucial role in content production and dissemination. This realization should make us all more aware of our responsibility in sharing accurate information. Kazakhstanis are subjected to attacks of blatant lies and disinformation, as well as fabricated or semi-true news on popular platforms, which can spread widely in the digital age with immeasurable consequences. The obtained results show that evaluating sources and verifying news content minimizes the impact of fake news and mitigates its influence. The research findings can be used to improve the level of information literacy among the population of Kazakhstan.

SPORTS AND MEDIA IN SERBIA IN THE MIRROR OF SPORTS JOURNALISM STUDENTS

Starting from the fact that journalism in Serbia is a reflection of the times we live in, as well as the fact that the domestic scene is overloaded with tabloid discourse and the clientelistic role of the media instead of one that includes the media role as a corrective mechanism of society, it is clear what challenges many representatives of this profession to face in daily work. That dominant image shapes and broadens the attitude in society about this profession, that is, a stereotypical view that thus undeservedly includes numerous representatives who adhere to ethical standards. Therefore, as part of the journalist's guild, the media and media workers who focus on sports live in such an environment as a particularly prominent segment of society through which many others permeate, such as politics, economy, crime, etc. On the other hand, the fact is that technological changes have led to a much larger quantity, namely the possibility of a significant expansion of the body of journalists, including those specialized in sports, and therefore to increased interest in that profession, bearing in mind the rapid growth of the number of media newsrooms in general, as well as special sports newsrooms. This paper aims to form a kind of cross-section of the current situation through a series of attitudes measured on a Likert scale, videlicet insights into how, bearing in mind everything previously said, students of sports journalism in Serbia, as a specific segment of journalism, see this profession today and in the future, their place in that profession, as well as sports and media in general.

Bridging the Skills Gap: Aligning Journalism Education with Industrial Needs in Nepal

In Nepal, many individuals joined the journalism profession without professional training or formal education in the past. With the 1990’s democratic transition, the journalism landscape underwent significant changes, marking a proliferation of news media outlets, academic programs, and training opportunities. Even with many journalism programs and training opportunities available, there are still a gap in skills between classroom learning and industry demands, leading to journalism graduates lacking some essential professional skills. This study investigates the contributing factors to this skills gap, comprising outdated curricula, limited exposure to the newsrooms, and the lack of practical know how as well as confidence to work in the modern-day digital newsrooms. Employing key informant interviews with working journalists, newsroom leaders, and journalism educators, and reviewing the relevant literature, this study identifies skills gap not only among fresh graduates but also mid-career professionals, and proposes strategies to match journalism education and training opportunities with industry needs. The findings underscore the requisite for market-oriented curriculum design and regular updates, skill-centric teaching methods, adequate internship opportunities for journalism students and hands-on training for working journalists to prepare them for the realities of Nepal's evolving media landscape.

Development of grade 10 students’ modelling skills on circulatory system through model-based learning

Aim: This study aims to elevate the modelling skills of Grade 10 students in understanding the circulatory system, using model-based learning, to a level where they can achieve at least a 70% passing score on a relevant unit test.Method: The study involved 23 students and implemented a model-based learning approach. Research tools included a design for model-based learning, assessments of the modelling process, a modelling ability exam, structural interviews, and student diaries. Data analysis was conducted using percentages and averages, and the action research was structured into two iterative rounds.Results: Initial findings from the first cycle revealed an average modelling ability score of 18.21 out of 24 (75.87%), with 14 students surpassing the 70% threshold. The second cycle showed marked improvement, with an average score of 19.94 out of 24, translating to an 83.09% success rate. Notably, all 23 students exceeded the 70% benchmark in this cycle.Conclusion: The implementation of model-based learning significantly enhanced the students' modelling skills in understanding the circulatory system. The method proved effective in not only achieving but surpassing the targeted 70% success threshold, demonstrating its potential as a valuable educational tool in biology.

Teaching Moral Values Through Real-life Dilemmas

The purpose of this study is to contribute to contemporary debates about alternative ways of teaching Moral Education (ME) in Malaysia by including the voice of students. ME in the Malaysian setting is both complex and compulsory. The research is founded on a modified version of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), extended to suit the multicultural, multi-ethnic Malaysian setting, and here called the Zone of Collaborative Development (ZCD). This study uses qualitative research methodology consisting of a modified framework of participatory action research (PAR) as the methodological framework. Data was gathered for textual analysis through a modified form of participant observation, focus group transcripts, interviews, and student journals. Findings show that students were concerned about moral issues and values not covered in the current ME curriculum. The moral dilemmas that they identified were relational and context dependent. Multiple factors contributed to the problems they described.

CREATIVE TASK AS A FORM OF FINAL CONTROL FOR FUTURE JOURNALISTS: THE VIEWPOINT OF STUDENTS

The article is devoted to the issue of final control for core disciplines in the specialty 061 «Journalism». The survey of more than 100 students of the Department of Journalism in V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University was held. It is presenting the students’ vision of a creative task as a form of verification test or exam. The questions were about the distribu- tion of points for certain types of tasks, features of creative tasks’ preparation, problems of creative tasks’ production in the distance learning setting etc. The survey provided different forms of answers: both option selection and extended comments. Questionnaires were filled out by students of the Bachelor and Master levels, full-time and correspondence courses and by graduates of the Department of Journalism.It was found that the majority of students see the creative task as a mandatory component of the verification test or exam. At the same time, the ideal form of final control is considered to be combined (a presentation of a creative task and a theory test). It was established that journalism students prefer individual production of creative works, although they assume team formats.The main challenges for future journalists in the distance learning setting within the context of creative tasks’ production are highlighted. It was found that after the beginning of the full-scale phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the number of difficulties increased and they became more frequently related to the inner state of students. A search for motivation or inspiration, work under stress, finding topics for materials are most often mentioned problems by respondents. The problems of education organizing by universities have faded into the background compared to the quarantine restrictions’ period caused by the coronavirus pandemic.It was concluded that despite the existing difficulties of the distance learning, students still consider a creative task as a form of final control for core disciplines in the both prepared in advance and done during the exam ways.

SERBIAN FILM FROM JOURNALISM STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVE

Journalism students from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš, are studying film as the first audio-visual mass communication medium, so the authors wanted to explore their relationship with Serbian (domestic) films, which is the main goal of this paper. In January 2023, 138 journalism students from all four years of undergraduate study participated in the study. Data were collected for the study using a specific questionnaire, which was then processed using SPSS, a program for statistical data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that journalism students visit theaters to see Serbian films. The presence of quality actors is both their initial association with Serbian movies and the most popular reason for going to the movies to see them. Lack of habit is frequently cited as the primary excuse for students who don't watch Serbian films at the movies. Although a bigger percentage of students say that Serbia creates exquisite movies that are popular abroad, they also believe that movies from earlier times were superior. The majority of the students believe that Serbian films are superior to those from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, two neighbouring countries.

Media Strategies and the Growth of Kiswahili among Journalism Students in Kenyan Universities

Purpose: This research traces the influence of strategies employed by the Kenyan media in their strive to realize the growth of Swahili language among the youth, specifically, university students studying journalism in Kenyan universities. The fundamental concerns that were on focus here were; debates, competitions and rewards, use of experts, number of programs, program frequency and program placement and the way they have been used to improve Swahili language.
 Methodology: The study used mixed method design to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. It targeted University students sampled from 4 public Universities in Nairobi County. A sample size of 327 students was used. Focus group discussions involving 32 FGDs participants were also involved. Four Swahili experts were interviewed to get expert opinion. Multi-stage sampling design was used to select the sample for the survey. This sampling technique was appropriate because the study sample was selected in stages using stratified random sampling and simple random sampling technique. Purposive sampling was used to collect qualitative data. The tools used to collect data were questionnaire for quantitative data, interview schedule for key informants and interview guide for focus group discussions. These were to help to assess the effect of the strategies employed by the media organizations in connection with airing Swahili programmes and if these strategies influence the growth of Kiswahili. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative data to give results shared in this paper. Data was then analyzed using SPSS (version 20) statistical program and presented using inferential statistics, descriptive, correlation regression and ANOVA analysis.
 Findings: The study revealed that the strategies employed by the media indeed have significant effect on the growth of Kiswahili among the youth. For instance, majority of the respondents agreed that Swahili competition programs in media have made them develop positive attitude toward Kiswahili. Additionally, a majority of the respondents agreed that when experts are used in presenting Swahili programmes it makes them use correct grammar. The study also noted that respondents agreed that an increase in number of discussion programs in Swahili have improved their Swahili vocabulary.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Media as an agent of language growth is known to employ certain strategies that play a big role in changing the youths’ attitude towards Kiswahili language. Social learning theory, Behaviorist Theory of Language Development and Cultivation theory informed this study. Evidence from media programmes indicated that much has been done by both television and radio in form of strategies that have played a big role in promoting the language. These strategies are linked to the debates, rewards a well as the challenges that face the language growth. The study thus revealed that the strategies employed by the media indeed have significant effect on the growth of Kiswahili among the youth.

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND ITS DIRECTION TOWARD A FUTURE CAREER IN BROADCASTING AND JOURNALISM AS A SOLO BROADCAST JOURNALIST

This paper aims to delve into the adoption of mobile technology among the university's young generation majoring in broadcasting and journalism. Further discussion will translate the mobile adoption and its direction toward the future of solo broadcasting journalism in Malaysia, respectively among them. During the pandemic covid 19, people have adapted to tremendous changes in their everyday lives. Since then, the Internet of Things and digitalisation have become new norms since they must access everything from home. In other words, technology has become essential to everyone despite their age, gender, or location. Almost everyone can broadcast and become a journalist, as long as they know and have skills in using various technologies ranging from email to web blogs to digital videos to mobile technologies to social media. In line with this modernisation, the solo broadcast journalist has also been identified as an active mobile device user to fulfil their job preference. Solo broadcasting journalism has become essential in the world of broadcast and journalism. A person who wants to work in this convergence field must have the ability and knowledge to handle all mobile technology devices alone when they have to do fieldwork. However, ability and knowledge are not the main points; other factors can motivate a person to learn and become a solo journalist. Therefore, this research explores the factors influencing the desire to use mobile devices among 200 broadcasting and journalism students at Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok Kedah. The present study indicates that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and experience positively correlated with using mobile technologies. The study mainly contributes to mobile technologies and social media adoption among the university's young generation majoring in broadcasting and journalism to prepare for their future broadcasting and journalism careers.

Examining Translator Candidate Students’ Strengths and Weaknesses in Note-taking System While Interpreting Consecutively

The aim of this study is to examine translator candidate students’ strengths and weaknesses while taking notes in consecutive interpreting based on oral performance and to explore the challenges they face in the process. The present study used a case study research design in which the data were collected qualitatively. The instructional design used in the study was planned in such a way that the students would identify the challenges they experienced in consecutive interpreting, interpret the listening texts consecutively through note-taking technique, identify their strengths and weaknesses through self-assessment, and bridge the gap between their existing knowledge determined in line with their strengths and weaknesses and the knowledge intended to be acquired. Pre- and post-interviews, observation, think-aloud protocol, student diaries, portfolios, and listening texts were used to collect the data in the study. The findings obtained from the study revealed that the students could identify their strengths and weaknesses through self-assessment, bridge the gap between their existing knowledge and the knowledge intended to be acquired in the process, visualize the listening texts in their memories, and make progress in note-taking. The findings were discussed in the research context, and pedagogical implications were recommended in view of a constructivist approach to enrich the content of the note-taking training process in consecutive interpreting.

Bringing it to the classroom

The article introduces the Digital Story Model. The model is made with the ambition to improve and enrich digital stories done by journalism students, professional journalists and other kinds of digital storytellers . In the study we adopt an action-based research approach and test the model in an international classroom setting with 85 journalism students representing 35 countries. The findings of students' experiences with applying the model point to a number of strengths and shortcomings. Strengths include the model as a structuring and planning tool, as a way to benefit creativity, as a shared language in an international group and as an assistance in considering the potential story modalities. Shortcomings include the model preventing creativity and creating standardized stories, the model being mostly beneficial for inexperienced reporters and being too linear. The study concludes that there is a significant usefulness of the model when it comes to enriching digital storytelling but also a need to revise the model further and to alter the way it is presented in the classroom.

Understanding and Enhancing Journalism Students’ Perception of Data Journalism

As the media landscape continuously evolves in response to the increasing dominance of data, it is important to understand how future journalists perceive and respond to the emerging discipline of data journalism. This paper explores the impact of an introductory session on data journalism conducted with second-year journalism students at Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. The study aims, through a focus group survey, to assess the students’ initial understanding and beliefs about data journalism and explores how an educational activity, structured as a one-time workshop utilizing a resource from the Al Jazeera Media Institute and data journalism project examples from the BBC, can elucidate the notion of data journalism and stimulate interest in the field. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the integration of data journalism into journalism curricula and the training of the next generation of journalists. Therefore, the findings could provide valuable insights for educators in understanding journalism students’ perception of data journalism in order to develop effective curricula and teaching methods for data journalism.

The Essex Student Journal: demonstrating the benefits of diamond open access across the University of Essex and beyond

The Essex Student Journal: demonstrating the benefits of diamond open access across the University of Essex and beyond