We are pleased to present the report for the training program titled “Diversity Representation: Overcoming Stereotypes” conducted as part of the project “EU strategies extrapolation for boosting students’ media literacy in Ukrainian HE.”
Organizers, trainers and speakers were PhD, associate professor of the Department of Foreign Languages Marina Bilotserkovets; PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages Yuliia Lushchyk and PhD, associate professor of the Department of Foreign Languages Tetiana Fomenko.
The main objective of this training program was to enhance participants’ media literacy skills and critical thinking abilities regarding diverse representations in media. The training program consisted of three content modules, each designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of diversity representation and strategies to overcome stereotypes. Each module included various types of interactive and problem-based learning, different activities, and assignments. The online tools and platforms were used for training.
Module 1: Understanding Stereotypes and Media Influence (June 22, 2023 – June 23, 2023; 12 Academic Hours). In this module, participants explored the concept of stereotypes and their impact on media representation. Interactive lecture “Introduction to Stereotypes”, small group discussions “Analyzing Stereotypical Representations”, and Case Study Analysis “Media Influence on Perceptions” were conducted to facilitate a deeper understanding of the topic.
Module 2: Promoting Inclusive Media Representation (June 26, 2023 – June 28, 2023; 14 Academic Hours). This module focused on strategies to promote inclusive media representation and challenge stereotypes, as well as the development of students’ critical thinking skills and exploration of effective approaches for countering stereotypes. Participants engaged in problem-based learning activities, including the Workshop “Strategies for Inclusive Media Representation”, the Collaborative Project “Creating Counter-Stereotypical Media Content”, and the Reflective Journal “Personal Insights and Reflections of Participants’ Own Biases and Stereotypes”.
Module 3: Encouraging Diversity across Media Environment and Empowering Audiences (June 29, 2023 – June 30, 2023; 14 Academic Hours). The final module aimed to develop participants’ media literacy skills and empower them as critical consumers of media. The activities and assignments incorporated interactive discussions, media analysis, and self-assessment exercises. They were as follows: Interactive Discussion “Media Literacy and Critical Consumption”; Media Analysis Exercise “Unpacking Biases in News Articles and Advertisements”; Self-Assessment “Evaluating Media Literacy Skills”.
Throughout the training program, the online tools and platforms used for communication, resource sharing, and collaboration included Zoom for live sessions and online collaboration and Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations.
Overall, the training program “Diversity Representation: Overcoming Stereotypes” successfully provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of diverse representations in media and equipped them with the necessary skills to critically analyze and challenge stereotypes.
