Esther Wojcicki - Empowering Students

The teacher at Palo Alto High School uses journalism to empower students, focusing on independent thinking rather than creating journalists. The program encourages interaction and creativity, moving away from traditional classroom setups. Students learn various journalism styles and gain entrepreneurial skills through self-supporting publications. The program has grown significantly, becoming the largest scholastic media program in the U.S. The teacher emphasizes trust, respect, independence, collaboration, and kindness, aiming to empower both students and teachers.

What is the primary goal of the teacher in using journalism as a platform?

• To create professional journalists

• To empower students to pursue their passions

• To increase school newspaper circulation

• To improve students' writing skills

How does the teacher's classroom approach differ from a traditional classroom?

• The teacher focuses on student interaction and learning through mistakes

• Students are encouraged to memorize facts

• Students are required to follow strict instructions

• The teacher lectures 100% of the time

What writing styles are taught in the journalism program?

• Creative writing and poetry

• Technical writing and reports

• Only news and sports

• News, features, reviews, editorial, and sports

What change is observed in students after completing the beginning journalism program?

• They rely more on the teacher for guidance

• They become better at thinking for themselves

• They lose interest in journalism

• They become professional journalists

What is the significance of media literacy in the teacher's program?

• It helps students memorize facts

• It is not considered important

• It empowers students to use media effectively

• It focuses solely on print media

How does the journalism program support itself financially?

• Through school funding

• By charging students a fee

• Through self-supporting publications

• By selling school merchandise

What acronym does the teacher use to describe important classroom values?

• LEARN

• SMART

• GROW

• TRICK