What Super Bowl Commercials Teach Education About Media and Product Literacy (Volume 2, Episode 4)

Based on Dr. Howie Knoff's February 24, 2024 Blog, Davey and Angela examine the importance of media and product literacy for educators, drawing parallels between Super Bowl commercials' persuasive techniques and the marketing of educational products. They emphasize the need to critically evaluate marketing claims, particularly the terms "scientifically-based," "evidence-based," and "research-based," by examining the underlying research methodology and its applicability to specific contexts. Their discussion highlights the crucial questions educators should ask when assessing educational products to ensure effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for their students and institutions. Moreover, they stress the importance of independent verification of research claims and avoiding reliance on superficial marketing strategies.