During taping, all the NewsTeam members work together to produce the best possible show. Usually the broadcast is performed all the way through twice without stopping. If things work well, the anchors remain composed, the teleprompter scrolls at the right pace, the cameras are focused and shots well-composed, and the switches to and from video footage are smooth. Of course, as with professional newscasts, there are glitches. This critical viewing day is the first chance students have to see the work of other teams, and the sum of their own work.
Students know that critique is part of the process of improvement and team building.
Having had their work critiqued, students look forward to improving their technical skills for the next broadcast. Fortunately, more schools, public and private, are acquiring these resources. Our sixth graders at Athens Academy enjoy NewsTeam, especially getting in the studio and producing. But they have learned that they must use their planning and preparation time well in order to produce a good newscast. NewsTeam requires a bit of class time, as well as out of class preparation for both teachers and students, but this is fun and productive time.