Giving Compass' Take:

• Solutions Journalism discusses ways you can help teach a future generation of writers, editors, and reporters the mechanics of SoJo work, which focuses on data-driven evidence and problem solving.

• Could this be a new way to think about J-School? Spreading the word about Solutions Journalism doesn't mean ignoring traditional journalistic practices, but might open more windows of opportunities for young people to get involved in rigorous reporting.

• Want to know more about Solutions Journalism in general? Giving Compass interviewed David Bornstein, co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network, who helped break it down for us.

MediaShift and the Solutions Journalism Network hosted a twitter chat to ask some of the best J-school professors in the country how to teach solutions journalism and here’s what they had to say.

  1. Explain what solutions journalism is (and what it isn’t). It’s important to help students understand what solutions journalism is and what it isn’t.
  2. Challenge misconceptions about solutions journalism. Solutions journalism is often confused with advocacy or ‘feel-good’ journalism.
  3. Teach students that there are many ways to tell a solutions story. Students will need to learn how to effectively tell stories using audio-visual media.
  4. Assess challenges and responses together with students. Reporting a solutions story takes time. Journalists are bound to face challenges when they’re investigating responses.
  5. Look for the story within the issue. Look for the story, don’t get trapped in a rabbit hole by trying to address a big issue.

Read more about the tips on solution journalism at Medium