News articles are often concise, well-written, and at a student’s reading level; tidbits that easily fit in when you need to change course with a new teaching strategy.
What's new makes your class instantly relevant, even exciting, as news is written from many perspectives and biases (opening the door for class discussion). News is a hook.
Reading belongs in class. Good writing opens the mind and imagination. Delivering news orally is also effective and sharpens listening skills. Students love being read to.
Great themes you teach about are constantly reborn. Find a modern day Romeo and Juliet; a persecuted scientist or great orator, and your students will "get" Shakespeare, Galileo, Demosthenes.
Model what an engaged citizen does to keep up in your discipline. Seize the opprtunity to instill critical thinking , information and media literacy skills. Get off the podium! - have students keep up with the news and bring it to class, infusing their perspective and questions. Let the debate begin.
