Arguments for the autonomy of media literacy as a mandatory subject in Macedonian schools

Aleksandra Spasevska MA

Abstract:

Media literacy is integrated as a teaching content in the Macedonian language subject in primary school, but its implementation is lagging behind in secondary education because of the curricula of primary and secondary schools in the country that have not been in a homogeneous relationship for years. In recent years, efforts have been made for media literacy to take part in everyday school experience through external project, or with media clubs’ formation within the schools. But the effect that is achieved is far from the desired one (only few students among the school are getting real knowledge about the topic). In order to make better progress for the students and for them to understand the need and essence of this knowledge and skill, it should be elevated to a separate subject, which will be taught by skilled teachers. Unfortunately, teachers of Macedonian language and literature, without proper additional preparation are not sufficiently informed in Media literacy (not to the level of teaching the topic). Therefore, this case study aims to show the need for such an autonomous subject in schools, whereby Media Literacy will finally enhance its necessary place in education, and our young people will gain the necessary knowledge for functional life in the 21^st century. For this purpose, in addition to theoretical research, empirical research will be conducted by surveying teaching staff and students and it will focus to provide the importance of such subject.

Key words: media literacy, primary school, mandatory subject, innovation