THE IMPORTANCE OF DEMYSTIFYING FALSE INFORMATION IN BASIC EDUCATION

AN EXPERIENCE REPORT ON THE PERIPHERY OF BAYEUX-PB

Abstract

This report describes the experience in the extension project “Fake News is not created at my school – and Cognitive Linguistics explains why”, promoted by the Federal University of Paraíba and coordinated by professor Tiago de Aguiar Rodrigues. Implemented at ECIT Professor Antônio Gomes, in Bayeux-PB, the project sought to address the proliferation of misinformation among high school students. In response to the intense dissemination of Fake News on social media, the initiative offered a pedagogical approach aimed at training students in the detection and critical analysis of false information. The methodology included fortnightly workshops that explored disinformation in various forms, such as news, memes and scientific texts. The planning aimed to create an immersive and educational experience, deepening students' understanding of disinformation. To support the project, theoretical references were used such as Bentes and Santos (2023), which discusses Fake News as a disruptive textual production and its social impacts, in addition to the guidelines of the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC, 2017), which highlight the importance of safe and critical digital education. Another important reference was the work of Cortina (2020), which defines scientific dissemination texts and their relevance in the critical formation of students, as well as the National Curricular Parameters (PCNs) (Brazil, 1998), which highlight the cognitive and investigative development of students. The feedback from participants was very positive, demonstrating the effectiveness of the workshops in improving critical views on Fake News.