Controversy and Citizenship: A model for helping students make informed decisions Presented by Dr. Greer Burroughs & Dr. James Daly The Center for Global Education at Seton Hall University April 15, 2016 Teaching the World Conference

Session Goals To model a process to help students: draw conclusions on controversial topics from an informed position understand emotional responses to media, peers and others when forming opinions discuss a controversial issue in a civil manner appreciate the value of information gathering and analysis

“There are hundreds of thousands of people fleeing wars & poverty in Africa and the Middle East and they are seeking a new life in Europe and North America. Should the U.S. allow these people to come and resettle here?” 1 ------------------------5----------------------10 Yes No What is your view?

SHOULD THE U.S. LET THEM IN?

What do you think now? Reconsider your views Has your opinion stayed the same? Why? Has your opinion changed? Why? 1 -----------------------5-----------------------10 Yes No What do you think now?

Let’s discuss the issue! What are the problems with discussions of emotional and controversial topics? A Socratic Seminar - An opportunity to learn, question, listen and think about an issue to become more informed Let’s discuss the issue!

Guidelines for a Socratic Seminar Preparation: Analyze text - what do you agree with? What questions do you have? During the seminar: Students respectfully take turns asking questions and adding comments to the discussion Reference the text when asking questions or to support opinions Build off of each other’ comments Be respectful and aware of others

What do you think now? Reconsider your views Has your opinion stayed the same? Why? Has your opinion changed? Why? 1 -----------------------5-----------------------10 Yes No What do you think now?

Safety First

Safety First

What do you think now? Reconsider your views Has your opinion stayed the same? Why? Has your opinion changed? Why? 1 --------------------5----------------------10 Yes No What do you think now?

What have you learned from the presentation? What did you learn about the issue? What did you learn about how people form opinions on many topics? What did you learn about yourself? What have you learned from the presentation?

It is a lot more complex than it seems, there are no easy answers. I didn’t really understand the problem [at first] but had an opinion. People often stay on whatever side will keep them [and] their family, but hearing about the other side’s problem may sway people’s decisions. Student Reflections

The lesson was very informative and brought to the foreground the issues millions of people are facing…I was able to see the desperation of the people and visual multitudes of people who are displaced. People’s ideas can be easily switched when emotional appeal is used. Student Reflections

Using a SAC Model A Structured Academic Controversy Students in a teacher education program identified resources, designed and led the activity Pre-assessed Engaged participants in reflection of process Using a SAC Model

What we Learned & Next Steps Our reflections Questions? Adaptations What we Learned & Next Steps