Some Frequently Asked Questions about Newspapers in Education (NIE*)

Newspapers in Education programmes have been adding life to lessons in classrooms around the world for decades. Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions on NIE:

What is NIE (Newspapers in Education)?

NIE or "Newspapers in Education" is the use of the adult newsppaper as an educational resource for most any subject. The newspaper can be used to provide lessons in basic reading, mathematics, politics, science, social studies, geography and critical thinking. NIE can be carried out at all levels of education and the lessons can be designed to tie in with the national school curriculum.

In particular, the study of the newspaper itself as a core news medium is invaluable in any approach to media literacy.  In the media literacy context, students learn how to access, analyze, and evaluate newspaper content, as well as how to have an effect on and even create that content themselves. The newspaper also serves as one of the tools for understanding other media. Reflecting on and discussing both newspaper content and the information process leads to a better understanding of and a stronger involvement in society. So, while improving media literacy, NIE also serves as a means to improve citizenship, as recent research has shown in several countries.


When did NIE start?

The concept of using newspapers in schools has been around for centuries, but The New York Times set up the first formal NIE programme in the 1930s. Since then, newspapers all over the world have started similar programmes. Today, there are more than 700 NIE programmes internationally, both print and e-editions. For a brief history on NIE, please click here

Why is NIE so popular?

Students love using the newspaper because they feel proud to be reading an "adult" medium. With NIE, they also have the freedom to choose reading materials that interest them. The newspaper challenges them to develop reading, speaking and critical thinking skills. Teachers find the newspaper to be an up-to-date text with the latest information on social issues, scientific discoveries and new technology. It deals in reality, bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world. Newspapers contain practical vocabulary. News stories serve as models for clear, concise, simple writing. Newspapers are also the only text that children will continue to read throughout their lives. Research shows that NIE programmes positively influence student motivation, attitudes, academic skills and classroom communications. The newspaper is current and relevant. It keeps students informed and helps to mould them into responsible and socially aware citizens.

What parts of the newspaper can be used?

News stories, editorials, photographs, advertisements, comics, headlines all can be used -- in short, the entire newspaper.

How does NIE work?

Usually, teachers will place bulk orders for newspapers at a frequency that suits their lesson plans. For instance, they may order a copy of the newspaper for each student weekly. The newspapers are delivered to the school and the teacher distributes them to students and uses it in class as a teaching tool. Teachers should allow time for the distribution of newspapers, free reading time and clean-up time. A double period (70 to 80 minutes) is ideal for an NIE lesson. Students should write their names on the newspaper and re-use the same copy over several lessons. NIE lesson ideas are limited only by the teacher’s imagination. Students can be asked to find parts of speech in headlines or the comics. An all-time favourite activity is the Scavenger Hunt, where students race to find a list of items within a newspaper. An important principle for teachers to remember is to Keep It Simple. Finding lesson ideas in the newspaper is a skill that can be developed over time.

At what levels does NIE work?

NIE can be carried out at all levels of education, from kindergarten to adult literacy programmes.


For more information on how to get started, please click here:

*NIE is the English abbreviation for "Newspapers In Education" that is also used in many other languages.
 
 
Find out more about WAN's young readership development work in our e-report by clicking on the cover

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