ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I consider the question of authenticity and relevance in relation to media literacy education from a perspective that has received limited attention: that of students. The chapter starts with a brief overview of how the term authenticity has been understood in education research and also within media literacy. The bulk of the chapter is then devoted to the analysis and discussion of secondary-aged students’ views of media and media literacy voiced during focus group discussions. My key argument will be to highlight that mobilizing students’ expertise in classrooms must be informed by an understanding of their perspectives on school and school learning, as the latter can significantly shape their participation in the former.
