Published On: September 20th, 2015By Leticia Fehling

MacArthur Ninth Journalism Students Get Real World Experience, Talk With Chiefs’ LB Derrick Johnson

The freshman class uses project-based learning to teach modern literacies.

MacArthur-Ninth-Grade-Journalism-Students-Interview-Derrick-Johnson-2

Student interviews Derrick Johnson via Google Hangouts.

[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]W[/dropcap]hen most individuals think about high school journalism, they think yearbook. Or maybe the campus newsletter. Many don’t think about the writing process. Scholastic journalism teaches students literacy skills. They also learn how to get information through new literacies. Students at MacArthur Ninth Grade School just got their journalistic feet wet. They got to interview Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker Derrick Johnson via Google Hangouts.

Students who take high school journalism don’t necessarily pursue it as a career. According to Daneric Johnson, the class is about much more than that. Johnson is the journalism teacher at the campus. He also teaches English.

“Scholastic journalism is about teaching students best practices,” said Johnson. “It’s about engaging and preparing students. The goal is that they develop into critical and competent adults.

“It is more about the process, how students work together and about fulfilling responsibilities. Students can use the skills they learn in high school journalism in their future. They can use these skills in professions like STEM and business. Really any job market.“

The young journalists learn to take and use pictures, meet deadlines, and work as a team. But high school journalism classes also teach students higher level thinking skills, how to problem solve, write, and edit. The process reinforces language skills and the experience empowers students.

Johnson uses project-based learning. This helps students develop media, information and literacy skills. His goal is to create capable, engaged citizens.

“Students learn about the writing and inquiry process,” said Johnson. “They learn to question and experiment with style. They learn about reflection and analysis. These are strong skills for anyone to develop and use in any field,” said Johnson. “The students learn that it is OK to fail. They learn to try again. This boosts their confidence as they work through challenges and find solutions.“

Today, high school journalism students gather information using digital technologies. These include databases and the Internet. They learn about writing across media including print and online. They also learn that audience engagement is central to digital journalism.

“I want my students to turn into self-directed, passionate learners,” said Johnson. “I want them to question things. I want them to become better people. I want them to become active and critical participants in society. The skills they learn will help them become successful.“

Johnson creates opportunities to have students use the skills they learn in class. For example, his students recently conducted a series of interviews. Students learned about good interview techniques and the art of the open-ended question. In the first interview, students interviewed each other. The second interview had students interview their parents. The third interview had the students excited. They interviewed Derrick “DJ” O’Hara Johnson, linebacker No. 56 for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Texas native played high school football in Waco. He went on to play for the University of Texas before joining the Chiefs. And just how did the students snag such a well-known sports figure? Derrick Johnson is Daneric Johnson’s cousin.

The 21 journalism students interviewed the Chiefs’ linebacker in a press conference setting. This gave them a real world experience. Derrick could not come down to Houston. Instead the students used modern technology to make the 40-minute interview possible. The students interacted with him via Google Hangouts. This is a communication platform that includes video chat.

Students asked Derrick a wide range of questions. Topics included details of his ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury ended his season. They also discussed his free agent expectations. Other questions included the following:

Q: Can you describe Defend the Dream Foundation?

A: Yes, my foundation centers on getting kids to read and to foster a love for reading.

Q: Can you tell me about your experience at the University of Texas?

A: UT was a great experience for me. I was fortunate to gain lots of accolades in college. This eventually led me to a first-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2005.

Q: Is college football much different from the NFL?

A: On the field, everything is faster of course in the NFL, but similar. But off the field, the business side of things is vastly different.

Q: Which team do you like to play against the most?

A: I’d have to say the Denver Broncos. Yeah, I get up for Peyton Manning!

Q: Did you always know you were going to be an NFL player?

A: That’s a tough question. I love football. I am blessed to be able to do the thing I love.

Q: If you weren’t in the NFL, where would you be presumably?

A: Well, I love kids. My mom was a teacher for 40 years so I’d probably be a teacher and a coach like my cousin (Daneric).

Daneric Johnson stated that in the exercise, students researched to prep for the interview. The teacher taught them how to ask questions. More specifically, the students learned to probe by being thoughtful and respectful.

“Teachers know that they can’t just rely on text and lecture for students to learn,” said Johnson. “Studies show that people remember and learn more when they practice and use newfound skills. Getting a chance to interview Derrick had students engaged and they actively took part. Not only will the experience help them remember more, this also was a real world opportunity. It was a powerful learning experience.“

His students are in agreement. Ary Campuzano and Mondra Nichols enjoyed interviewing Derrick Johnson.

“This was so cool,” said Ary. “I have never spoken to a famous person, let alone questioned one for a school assignment.“

“I still love the Texans,” Mondra said. “But this was an awesome experience!“

It appears that the journalism students had fun while they put into practice what they learned. And the lesson is one they won’t forget any time soon.