Transformation Game as a Method of Working with Representatives of Media Sphere

Abstract

In the context of total gamification, including in the media, it seems appropriate to pay attention to games in the media education process. Psychological games can serve both as a learning tool and as an instrument for professional support at different stages of mastering journalism. The transformational game Tainy redaktsii (Editorial Secrets) implemented into the practice of working with journalists and based on N. Pridanikova's game model Dom Dushi Moei (The House of My Soul) was played by 40 bachelor students and Penza media journalists. The study was carried out based on textual, comparative-typologicalmethods of analyzing transcripts from a series of games. It turned out that journalists with similar levels of training have similar problems. We divided the participants into four groups. First-year students begin their acquaintance with the profession by romanticizing journalism while simultaneously experiencing fear of the large workload and needing mentors' support. Second-year students, who have acquired basic knowledge about the profession, strive to understand how journalism will help them to express themselves. Working students have the novice syndrome, fearing they won't meet the requirements but perceiving their work as experience on the path to higher goals. Young journalists with 3–9 years of experience are demanding of themselves and seek recognition from both the editorial staff and the audience. The games demonstrated that the transformational game is an effective psychological technique that helps journalists visualize their own development trajectory in the media field.