Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Politics and the Classroom

"Conflict is the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory. It instigates to invention. It shocks us out of sheep-like passivity, and sets us at noting and contriving . . . conflict is a "sine qua non" of reflection and ingenuity. " ~ John Dewey, 1922.
There is an excellent discussion on Wicked Decent Learning this week on the issues of discussing controversial topics in the classroom. Let Jeff & Dan spark your thoughts on these issues . . . and then consider the questions and resources below.

Download "It's an Election Year, Kids"
WDL Podcast
WDL Blog

Question: Should controversial topics be part of what goes on in the classroom?

Essential Question: If so, what guidelines need to be considered?

Edutopia: Politics: Elephants, Donkeys, and Teens
Ethics Scoreboard: Professions & Institutions - Politics, Ethics and Arrogance in the Classroom
For Your Consideration: Teaching Controversial Issues
Controversial Issues in the Classroom (pdf)
Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom

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