Assessment Methods with Case Studies

A media analysis assignment requires students to critically examine a current media source (article, song, video, blog, etc.) related to the course topic.

Why use this format?
It helps students connect theory with everyday life, develop the ability to distinguish credible sources, express viewpoints, and construct arguments.

Strategies:

• Show an example of a critique of a media article and discuss its key components.
• Ask students to find two media sources with opposing viewpoints and compare them.
• Allow students to publish their critiques in a discussion forum and organise peer feedback.
• Permit alternative forms of expression (e.g., video, infographic).

Example of use in higher education:

In the course Pharmacology and Public Health, students analyse how the media report on new medicines and therapies.
The task reads: “Choose two media articles covering the same topic – for example, the use of new medications to treat depression – but presenting different viewpoints on their effectiveness and risks.” In a written commentary (up to 600 words), students should: summarise the main claims from each article; assess the credibility of the sources and authors; compare the claims with data from scientific literature (e.g., PubMed); and provide their own evidence-based conclusion.

The critiques are published in a Moodle forum where students comment on at least two of their peers’ submissions, focusing on argumentation and the use of sources.
Assessment includes critical thinking, accuracy in interpreting scientific facts, quality of argumentation, and ethical communication in the online environment.