The Impact of Media School Clubs on Students' Media Literacy Skills, specifically for Sri Lanka

Abstract

Media literacy, defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and participate in media, is a vital skill in today's media-saturated world. With students constantly exposed to media messages, cultivating media literacy has become a key educational goal. This research investigates the role and effectiveness of media school clubs in enhancing media literacy skills among secondary school students in Sri Lanka. Through a combination of surveys, interviews, and content analysis, the study examines how participation in media school clubs influences students to become critical media consumers and content creators. The findings demonstrate that students involved in these clubs develop a higher awareness of media influence, exhibit improved critical thinking, and enhance their communication and production skills. The study offers recommendations and best practices to strengthen media education, providing evidence-based insights for educators, policymakers, and media professionals in Sri Lanka.