Andrea Leske (2013) argues that it is a responsibility of colleges and universities to “assure that students have the skills and knowledge
Andrea Leske (2013) argues that it is a responsibility of colleges and universities to “assure that students have the skills and knowledge they need to become informed, civically engaged citizens.” This includes a commitment to teaching students how to engage in civil discourse.
“There are many obstacles to effective classroom discussion, of course, but in my opinion one of the most troublesome is the reluctance to encourage students to discuss the truly complex and vexing public issues that divide us. Certain topics are literally walled-off and considered too controversial to risk discussing in a classroom for fear that they will make some participants uncomfortable.”
QUESTION: Is it possible to teach students how to discuss complex and controversial topics in a civil manner?
Write a 2-4 page, double-spaced essay discussing the following topics:
Do universities have a responsibility to help students learn to communicate more effectively about political or controversial topics? Why or why not?
Why is it so difficult for students to discuss controversial topics in the classroom?
Think about how you would teach civil discourse in the classroom. You are a high school teacher or college professor (hypothetically). Develop a creative class activity that helps students learn more effective civil discourse.
What are some rules that you should follow as an instructor to create a more productive environment for civil discourse (some of the readings specifically address this topic).
Develop a class activity. If you were a teacher/professor, how would you teach students civil discourse? Would you craft a debate? Develop a game? Have them write a persuasive essay? Be creative and describe your classroom activity in detail.
Requirements: 2-4 pages
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