A report released by the Stanford History Education Group (SHEG) showed many students struggled to discern which information was legitimate pointing to the need to teach students how to verify the reliability of sources. The report outlines how three different groups of “expert” readers – fact checkers, historians and Stanford undergraduates – fared when tasked with evaluating information online.

The fact checkers proved to be fastest and most accurate, while historians and students were easily deceived by unreliable sources.

What was the difference in how the fact checkers approached discerning information? A technique called lateral reading. This is a useful tool to help students validate and verify information. 

What is Lateral Reading?

The term “lateral reading” describes a method where an individual checks the credibility of an online source by consulting other resources outside of the original one. Unlike “vertical reading,” where one stays on the website and checks its own content, lateral reading encourages users to perform quick searches to cross-verify information (Wineburg & McGrew, 2017).

Why is Lateral Reading Important?

Teaching lateral reading is crucial for several reasons.

• It promotes critical thinking, urging students to question the accuracy and reliability of the information they consume. 
• It develops digital literacy, which includes understanding the way the web functions and how information is distributed and manipulated online. 
• It cultivates responsible citizenship by equipping students to engage wisely and meaningfully in digital environments, consequently building a more informed society.

How Do You Read Laterally?

As a way to help lateral reading evaluation, Mike Caulfield at Washington State University created a method called SIFT. SIFT stands for Stop; Investigate the source; Find better coverage; and Trace claims, quotes, and media back to the original context. 

Integrating Lateral Reading into the Classroom

Here are some ways to introduce lateral reading in the classroom:

Model lateral reading:

Show students how you, as an educator, use lateral reading when encountering new information. Display your thought process out loud, demonstrating how to quickly open new tabs to cross-verify information.

Practice with real examples:

Use current news articles, blog posts, or social media updates to practice lateral reading. Encourage students to identify reliable sources and critically analyze the information.

Engage in collaborative exercises:

Let students work in groups to evaluate a website or an article. This encourages collective problem-solving and promotes peer learning.

Reflect and discuss:

Allow time for students to reflect on what they’ve learned and discuss the process. This can deepen understanding and enhance retention of these skills.

Ongoing reinforcement:

You can start with this lesson from Common Sense Education about lateral reading. However, do not restrict lateral reading to a single lesson. Reinforce it as an ongoing practice and incorporate it into various assignments and projects.

Innovative educators can equip our students with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the digital world. Teaching lateral reading fosters not only critical thinking but also prepares students for an information-laden future. By including lateral reading in our curriculum, we empower students to become responsible digital citizens and lifelong learners.