Classroom Controversy
This is a great approach to student engagement in authentic scientific topics! The art of controversy typically brings out emotions and opinions, regardless of the topic, and would likely in... See More
This is a great approach to student engagement in authentic scientific topics! The art of controversy typically brings out emotions and opinions, regardless of the topic, and would likely intrigue students. Many scientific issues are challenged due to personal belief or lifestyle in the everyday world, but it is our duty to ensure students are forming an opinion based on facts, data and research so they can make informed decisions in all aspects of their lives. The stem cell debate is a great one, what other controversial topics do you have in mind for students of this age group?
The importance of Controveral Topics
This article is adaptable to almost any subject area. In this article, Kelly Cannard explains the importance of allowing controversial topics and discussion in the classroom. One of the reas... See More
This article is adaptable to almost any subject area. In this article, Kelly Cannard explains the importance of allowing controversial topics and discussion in the classroom. One of the reasons that the stated is that controversy allows the teacher to observe students’ thoughts on real-life issues as they express their thoughts through group discussion. With practice engaging in controversial discussions, students can learn how to think critically and discuss a ‘grey’ issue persuasively and respectfully. The article explains that students will have different perspectives on controversial issues because of personal experiences and other factors that will influence their individual opinion. However, by discussing topics that are not clearly black or white, students are active in their learning as they build scientific understanding and enhance their communication skills while expressing their opinions or disagreements with reasoning and support. Controversial issues also give students a sense of appreciation for others who must make tough decisions for issues that are controversial as they understand that there can be educational logic that supports each side of the argument. As students engage in these discussions, they should have background information, be exposed to multiple perspectives, understand how to effectively engage in group debates and engage in a follow up with the discussion. This could be done by allowing students to interview others, research, imagine how others might feel, understand discussion protocols and engage in a follow up such as writing a persuasive essay or debating. These components will allow students to better express their understanding of both debates and the controversial topic at hand as they understand different perspectives, discuss with others collaboratively, communicate their understanding of underlying issues and present their own educated perspective on the issue. The idea of this concept can be applied to and integrated to any subject that presents a controversial topic.