Teaching Controversial Issues Science Religion Politics Society

Keys to Teaching Controversial Issues Know why the topic is controversial. Stay current. Teach at your students’ level. Stay objective. Provide structure ◦ Case studies ◦ Discussions

Leading Effective Discussions Know that level at which you want your students to think Know your topic Know the purpose of the discussion – what are your goals? ◦ Leading students to a conclusion? ◦ Getting students to think critically about an issue? ◦ Wanting to bring out/introduce certain concepts?

Leading Effective Discussions Train your students ◦ Set down or establish guidelines ◦ This can be done with or without student input Have a game plan ◦ Write out sample questions ◦ Try to identify certain “discussion busters” or possible “rabbit trails”

Leading Effective Discussions Start small ◦ Don’t plan your first discussion as a period long lesson ◦ Try 5-10 minutes at the beginning Structure your discussion as much as possible ◦ Scenarios/case studies ◦ Role playing ◦ Time limits ◦ Specific questions for students to address