Ch. 3 Critical Questions, Close Reading

Some of the best lessons will come from using current events, websites, movie clips, TV shows, video games, or music that you learn about from your students, read about in the newspaper, or hear about on the radio.


This quote really struck a chord in me, because I can personally relate. Whenever I'm considering a new learning tool for students, I always take a minute to reflect on how I would respond to that as a learner. I, too, am considered in the "millennial" group and rely on pre-produced media to construct my representation of reality.

The more I read and learn about creating authentic and engaging curriculum, the more I realize the pressing need to keep learning relevant. To me, this means utilizing current events and popular culture to spur interest and drive motivation in the classroom.

Critical Questions:

1. Who is the author and what is the purpose?

This infographic is featured here on Dairy Management INC. The purpose is to inform consumers that lactose-free dairy milk still contains vital minerals and nutrients that are important for maintaining overall health. 

2. What creative techniques are used to attract and hold attention?

An infographic provides a way for the author to convey meaning using statistics, facts, and accompanying images. 

3. How might different people understand this image?

Upon first looking at this image, a lot of people would see that milk is perhaps a necessity for maintaining strong bones, improving vision, and regulating blood pressure. 

However, other people might look at this and think that dairy milk isn't all it's cracked up to be. Collard greens actually pack more calcium ounce-for-ounce than our beloved milk, while carrots tout more than 200% DV of Vitamin A per serving. And when it comes to Potassium, a single serving of a tomato packs just as much a punch, while contributing less overall calories and fat than milk.

4. What lifestyles and points of view are represented?

An active lifestyle is represented in this infographic, and the point of view maintains that dairy milk will be a key factor in achieving that lifestyle.

5. What is omitted?

Refer to second paragraph of question #3. This infographic is sponsored by the Dairy Council and is looking to tout the benefits of dairy milk, without presenting the other side.

Many opponents of dairy milk suggest that milk alters the pH levels in our bodies by raising the acidity levels, and thus eroding the calcium from our bones. The global consumption of dairy milk also presents sustainability issues because of the excessive amount of resources needed to produce a single glass of milk.