Media bias (UK) - webquest

This webquest encourages students to investigate a variety of topics relating to media bias, including:

• what is bias
• factors influencing media bias
• how to assess whether bias is being used
• political agendas in the press
• balance of media coverage
• how readers of different newspapers tend to vote

This webquest involves the use of a variety of skills, such as:

• interpreting data
• finding examples of facts and opinions in texts
• reading academic research
• summary-writing
• the use of in-text citations

Students will read a variety of texts as part of this webquest, including:

• letters to newspapers
• fact-checkers
• First News
• research from the University of Oxford and the University of Hannover
• statistics from public opinion and data companies, such as YouGov and Statista

Video resources are also included, along with ‘shortcuts’ for learners who can’t handle a full text, as well as a “go further” activity.

The webquest is designed to not only develop students’ knowledge and understanding of bias, but also to develop their critical thinking skills.

The resource is suitable for students aged 14 and up, particularly those studying Media, English Language, Global Perspectives, PSHE, Citizenship, TOK, Critical Thinking, or General Studies.

This editable resource is designed for online learning, as students can type their responses directly into the document and click on the links directly. If uploaded to a collaborative workspace such as Google Docs, students could also work in groups to complete the webquest.