21.06.2023
New guide brings together ways to strengthen the research-based media literacy work
Blog 21.6.2023 / Photo: 1) Skye Studios, 2) Ville Sohn, KAVI
The importance of research, reliable knowledge and information-based management has been discussed widely, but the utilization and implementation of researched knowledge is not actually always straightforward or easy. The solutions found by media literacy professionals were openly published in a guiding website.
There is a lot of research on various media phenomena, related literacies and competencies and education. Topics are explored from many different perspectives, in different countries and in different disciplines. However, the potential of all this researched knowledge is not necessarily utilized as much as it could be.
Media literacy work in planned, carried out and developed by a wide range of professionals and experts in different sectors of the society. Consequently, research can have many different meanings depending on the objectives and contexts of one’s own activities. Often, the meaning of research is discussed in a high and abstract level, overshadowing practices of everyday life. Given the diversity of activities and contexts in the media literacy work, it is important to find ways that actually meet the needs and are in line with other practices and the professional environment. The meaning and practices to make use of the researched knowledge can be different for different people.
Research-based activities and development is not a new or unfamiliar approach in media literacy. Professionals in different fields have a lot of experience, expertise and good practice in this area. At this year’s Media Education Forum workshop, we created a space for discussion, sharing ideas, practical examples and experiences, and building a common understanding.
The results of the workshop in the form of an open guide
We compiled the results of our discussions with more than 30 professionals and experts into an openly available guiding website. The purpose of the website is to make visible the rationale for developing research-based practice, to gather examples of what it can mean in practice and to provide a guidelines for promoting research-based practice.
There is not a single and only way to promote media literacy. Thus is is important that the research-based approach is implemented according to own’s own objectives, practices and context. The guiding website can offer a place for reflection and inspiration.
The guide can be found at: medialukutaitosuomessa.fi/en/researchbased
What kind of possibilities for researched knowledge do you identify in your own work?
Lauri Palsa, PhD, Senior adviser
National Audiovisual Institute KAVI
P.S. Thank you to everyone who participated in the workshop!