Teaching Controversial Issues

Science

Religion

Politics

Society

Keys to Teaching Controversial IssuesKnow why the topic is

controversial.Stay current.Teach at your students’ level.Stay objective.Provide structure

◦Case studies◦Discussions

Leading Effective DiscussionsKnow that level at which you want

your students to thinkKnow your topicKnow 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 DiscussionsTrain 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 DiscussionsStart small

◦Don’t plan your first discussion as a period long lesson

◦Try 5-10 minutes at the beginningStructure your discussion as much as

possible◦Scenarios/case studies◦Role playing◦Time limits◦Specific questions for students to

address