Philosophical Chairs

The Theory Behind It For effective learning to occur, students must become explicitly aware of their own (mis) conceptions about a particular topic. Student "errors" should be illuminated rather than avoided and "contradictions" explored rather than ignored. Students can resolve cognitive dissonance brought about by exposure to alternative perspectives or errors in thinking.

How It Works As they enter class, hand students an article to read on a controversial topic.

How It Works The topic should elicit a mixed response. Some people agree whole-heartedly while others vehemently disagree with the premise for many reasons. Still others will reserve judgment until or unless they hear something to persuade them one way or the other.

How It Works Inform students that they will have a chance to argue the merits of the topic and will be seated according to their views. Sitting on one side of two rows of facing chairs indicates one's total support of the topic. Sitting at the other side signals a student’s total disagreement. Students who have undecided views or have questions to ask sit behind or at the end of the two rows

How It Works The Moderator Job is to insure everyone gets a chance to speak. May be the teacher or a student. They should allow participants to address a statement made by a particular person Be careful that the "pros," "cons," and "questions" are equally represented Make sure the discussion is not dominated by a few eager students.

How It Works Students are able to move about the room during the discussion, similar to a game of musical chairs. Participants can symbolize their willingness to adopt a different point of view — even if temporarily — by moving in the direction of that view and assuming a new location. To insure that movement takes place, students can receive "credit” for participation or taking multiple viewpoints.

Ideas To Consider: Tape the discussion and later have students help analyze parts of the dialogue for evidence of specific reasoning strategies. Large classes: have a subsection "take the stage" and conduct the discussion while the rest of the class listens, takes notes Later decides the "pivotal point(s)" which ultimately persuaded them to adopt one perspective over another.

Suggested Rules 1. Be open-minded. Listen to all statements made and consider both sides. 2. Move to the other side if a particular statement or argument seems to sway your thinking. Experience the "other side." 3. No one acknowledges any move. This is not a team game. 4. Do not raise hands or speak while another person is speaking Rules

Tips Statement should be written on the board The mediator must be neutral When necessary, mediator paraphrases or restates statements for clarification (in an unbiased manner) Modify the statement or switch topics when discussion becomes stagnant For closure, allow each student thirty seconds to express an opinion Assign a writing activity for follow-up

Sample Topics Movies should not be rated. All schools should require uniforms. Couples should not be allowed to have more than two children. Drug & alcohol treament should be free. Abortion should/should not be legal. There is more bad than good in the world. Women who damage their babies (before birth) should go to prison. No marriage until you’re both 21.

Tips Smoking should be illegal. People should wait until the age of 21 to get married. Most people on welfare are lazy. Parents should have to pay a fine when their kids skip school. Everyone would be better off without TV. Minors should always be tried as adults. Parents who do not put seatbelts on their children should go to jail.

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