Teaching Communication and Media Studies: Pedagogy and Practice

In this review of Teaching Communication and Media Studies: Pedagogy and Practice, readers get a clear sense of who will benefit and why this book matters. Aimed at communication and media educators and graduate students, the book's single biggest strength is its practical orientation: it pairs conceptual discussion with real classroom strategies drawn from Jan Fernback's experience. This review finds the book especially useful for instructors who want concrete exercises and reflective prompts to shape course design and delivery rather than a purely theoretical text.

Key Features

• Practical pedagogy: Provides actionable strategies instructors can use to structure classes, design assignments, and manage discussions to improve student engagement.
• Theoretical grounding: Balances applied instruction with conceptual frameworks so teachers can connect exercises to broader communication theory.
• Sample exercises: Includes classroom activities and prompts that can be adapted across undergraduate and graduate courses to reinforce learning objectives.
• Instructor interviews: Supplements chapters with interviews of successful communication instructors, offering real-world perspectives and varied approaches.
• Course design focus: Encourages instructors to reflect on course logic, sequencing, and assessment to create coherent syllabi and lesson plans.

Who It's For

This book is best suited to current college instructors in communication and media studies, graduate students preparing to teach, and instructional designers working on media-related curricula. Its mix of practical exercises and conceptual context makes it valuable for those seeking classroom-ready tools and reflective prompts.

Those looking for a comprehensive, research-heavy textbook on communication theory or a tightly focused technical manual on media production techniques may want to supplement this book with more specialized texts, as Fernback centers instruction and pedagogy rather than exhaustive theoretical surveys or studio how-to guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, usable classroom strategies that instructors can adapt immediately.
• Good balance of theory and practice that helps justify pedagogical choices.
• Sample exercises and instructor interviews provide diverse, real-world examples.

Cons

• Not a substitute for an exhaustive theoretical textbook, so advanced theory seekers may need additional readings.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Teaching Communication and Media Studies is a strong value for instructors who want a pragmatic, reflective guide to designing and delivering communication courses. Its combination of sample exercises, interviews, and theoretical context makes it especially useful for early-career faculty and graduate teaching assistants who need classroom-ready material and strategies that align with pedagogical aims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for graduate teaching assistants?
Yes. The book specifically addresses graduate students preparing to teach and provides exercises and strategies appropriate for their needs.

Does it include ready-to-use classroom exercises?
Yes. The text is supplemented with sample exercises instructors can adapt for different course levels.

Is the book primarily theoretical or practical?
It blends both, with a practical emphasis on course design and delivery supported by conceptual discussion.