Critical Minds: Evaluating Information Together
Year 13 English Using Te Whatu Aho Framework 60-minute lesson
Opening Question
How can we tell fact from opinion in today's media landscape? Think about your daily information consumption Social media, news, podcasts, websites
Te Whatu Aho Framework for Critical Evaluation
Weaves Māori perspectives into learning Promotes holistic understanding Emphasizes cultural responsiveness Values diverse worldviews and voices Connects to Te Mātaiaho principles
Key Evaluation Skills We'll Practice
Identifying bias and stereotypes Recognizing whose voices are included or excluded Analyzing language and visual features Understanding cultural worldviews Supporting conclusions with evidence
Group Text Analysis Challenge
Form groups of 4-5 students Analyze provided texts using evaluation checklist Guiding questions: Who wrote this? For whom? What perspectives are present or missing? Focus on NZ and Māori cultural contexts
Evaluation Checklist: Questions to Ask
{"left":"Who is the author and what is their background?\nWhat is the purpose of this text?\nWho is the intended audience?\nWhat perspectives are represented?","right":"What voices or viewpoints are missing?\nHow does language shape the message?\nWhat cultural assumptions are made?\nWhat evidence supports the claims?"}
Peer Assessment and Sharing
Exchange findings with another group Provide constructive feedback using peer assessment forms Focus on argument clarity and evidence Whole-class sharing of key insights Reflect on different viewpoints discovered
Reflection and Goal Setting
Complete self-assessment checklist Reflect on your learning progress Set personal goals for future information evaluation Consider how these skills apply to daily life Connect to digital citizenship and wellbeing