Transcript Controversial Issues in the Classroom:

What’s Under the
Rock?
Brian J. English Ph.D.
International Conference on Teacher Education
Quezon City, Philippines
August 21-23, 2014
Disclaimer:
This presentation may raise several
questions about how to frame
controversial issues in the classrooms,
but offer few if any answers…
Do you know exactly what is
under the rock?
Could something under the rock
bite you?
Sexuality
Morality
Mother/child transmission
Drug Company Money
Marginalization
Needle Exchange
Education
Condoms
Testing
…Marijuana
…Prostitution
…Same-sex marriage
…Assisted suicide
What’s hiding under these rocks?
1. Can the words you choose create
more controversy?
2.
Can the way you frame an issue
dictate opinion?
3. Can playing the devil’s advocate
backfire?
Is the issue a dead
issue?
Could discussing the
issue lead to new
prejudices?
Could discussing the
issue bring sadness
over what has already
passed?
1.
Define terms clearly (decriminalization vs.
legalization; ban vs. restrict)
2.
Define perimeters of an issue (decriminalization of
marijuana does not mean legalizing “hard drugs”).
3.
Be careful about voicing your opinion.
4.
Avoid “Us vs. Them” generalizations.
5.
Check the lines of logic.
6.
Use materials students can related to (novels,
movies, songs)
FREE CASH
Analyzing Arguments and Solutions
F Freedom, and Fairness
R Religion and Righteousness
E Economics/Economical
E Environmentally Friendly
C
A
S
H
Comfortable, Considerate
Aesthetics, Attractive
Socially Acceptable
Healthy