Educational Media Reviews Online

Countering Pushout: Skills to Support Black Girls is a four-video series of “professional development modules.” Each of the modules has a running time under thirty minutes and provides clear examples of both effective and ineffective communication in educational settings. The examples are discussed and supported by insight and guidance from various experts identified as being “in the fields of social justice, gender equality, and educational equity.”

The modules are straightforward in design. Each of them focuses on a specific communication challenge in schools. The first module covers “A Different Approach” to communication in classrooms and other educational settings. The second focuses on “Deescalating Conflict.” The third is about “Technology and Tardiness.” The final module looks at “Why Girls Bully.”

These modules work well together, and all follow a similar structure, which includes an opening or early animated short depicting instances of ineffective communication, followed by discussion and examples of more empathetic and effective communication choices. The better choices are identified, and the featured experts explain why these choices are fairer, more appropriate, and more effective.

Overall, this collection of short videos seems a practical and useful addition to educational libraries. The four modules are relevant, concise, and easy to follow. They work well individually and as a set to explain and model important communication skills. Together they will provide educators, social workers, and administrators with a useful guide to communicating more effectively in school settings. The examples provided are relatable, and the advice provided is straightforward and practical.

Countering Pushout: Skills to Support Black Girls is suitable for viewers of middle school age and up. It is aimed most directly at adults working in school settings and with the title “black girls,” but the lessons presented are sound communication basics that are applicable in various settings, including workplace and home environments. This video series is likely to be of greatest interest and benefit to those in the fields of education and communication studies.

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