An evaluation of Whittle Communications' Channel One by students and teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold--first was to investigate how the addition of Channel One to the school day influences student interest in current events. Secondly, to determine how teachers integrate the study of current events into the curriculum. A suburban county school division in the western part of Virginia was selected for the study. The population for this study consists of three groups: (1) all teachers on the faculty at the junior high school and senior high school serving as test sites, (2) all eighth grade Civics students at the junior high school test site, and (3) all twelfth grade U.S. Government students at the senior high school test site. Data was collected via two questionnaires. The responses to the questionnaires was tabulated by calculating percentages to provide data on the research questions.

Student relationships considered important to the study were: the differences that exist between students concerning their news habits; opinions about Channel One; reactions to the commercials; and taught and a positive or negative view of the program; the treatment of Channel One in the classroom: and how they judge the quality of the program.

Both teachers and students believe students take a greater interest in current events as a result of watching Channel One. The teachers claim Channel One to be an effective tool for instruction in the classroom. Teachers primarily use Channel One for current events discussions. But few integrate the news and information presented into their lessons. Social studies teachers make much greater use of the program than non-social studies teachers. The study concluded that Channel One is perceived as a success.