Identifying Fake News: Critical Literacy and the School Library Synopsis
While ‘Fake News’ isn’t a new phenomenon, there’s still no clear definition of what it is, or isn’t. It can be challenging for primary and secondary school pupils to analyse and understand what ‘Fake News’ is, and Critical Literacy, a whole-school, cross-curricular approach that has the school library at the centre, can help.
This guideline looks at the historic and current contexts of ‘Fake News’, the definition and practice of Critical Literacy and includes case studies and recommended resources for school library staff.
Cathal Coyle is a librarian at St. Patrick’s College, Dungannon, County Tyrone. In recent years he has introduced a number of critical literacy initiatives into learning activities throughout his school.
Cathal also has a specialist role with the School Library Association, commissioning and editing the various publications that the Association produces throughout the year. Prior to this, he authored three books with The History Press, most recently The Little Book of Irish Landmarks in 2017.
