Procedure

1. Divide the students into groups of 4-6 individuals.

2. Provide each group a topic to create a presentation on.

3. Each student in the group will fulfill a role as a newscaster. 

   • One or two individuals will act as the main news anchors, giving the introduction and conclusion. The main news anchors will introduce the newscast/topic, provide a thesis statement for their newscast, and note a preview of the upcoming topics. In the conclusion, they’ll summarize the newscast, restate their thesis, and end with a memorable close.

   • One student will act as the weather specialist. Their role is to report on the class climate on the topic. (What made sense? What didn’t make sense? How are students feeling about the material? This isn’t a critique of the teacher—it’s measuring how the class feels about the MATERIAL).

   • One student will act as the sports reporter. Their role is to report how students can apply the material they learned in their everyday lives. (How does this material matter?)

   • One student will act as the local news specialist. Their role is to report how students can apply the material they learned in the class they are currently in. (How will you use this material as you continue in this class?) 

   • Finally, one student will act as the international news specialist. Their role is to report on how students can use this material in other classes. (How will you use this material in other classes?)

4. Provide students a copy of the attached planning documents. Give students plenty of time to do their research and plan their segments.

5. Try to keep newscasts (i.e., entire presentation) between 7-10 minutes.