Managing controversial issues in the classroom

How would you do it and what advice would you give to

teachers?

Think about any issues, headlines or activities recently appearing in the news that you think are controversial.

Share your thinking with someone else (2 mins)

Objectives: WALT - We Are Learning To:

Identify what makes an issue controversial or contentious

Determine how to deal with controversy

Provide advice about the ways we should handle controversy in the classroom

Outcomes: WILF – What I’m Looking For…

People who can work together to produce:

An agreed strategy (method or way) for teachers to help pupils explore and discuss controversial issues, respectfully, in the classroom

Cooperation Squares – a silent activity

Work in groups of 5Decide who will be A, B, C, D and EYou have exactly enough pieces to construct 5 complete squares and you cannot do this challenge with just the pieces you have. RULESOnly giving pieces to other people is allowedNo-one can take pieces from someone elseNo-one can signal or gesture or help another team

member

What makes an issue

controversial?

Work with a partner:

Talk about the things which give rise to most debate or argument between:

1. Friends

2. Family

3. Politicians

4. Countries Decide which you think are the most

common and list your top five

Controversial issues are…

Issues which are current and about which different groups disagree and hold strong opinions e.g. war, immigration

Issues which deal with fundamental questions of value and belief e.g.abortion, gay rights

Balanced and fair?

Teachers must offer students:a balanced presentation of opposing

views when bringing political or controversial issues for discussion

Teachers must not:Promote any partisan political views in the

teaching of any subject

How do you avoid bias?Help everyone recognise bias and:Make sure all sides of an argument are heardPresent opposing views in a balanced wayDon’t present evidence as if it cannot be argued

withChallenge popular/conventional viewsDon’t present opinions as factsMake it easy for everyone to contribute

What are the advantages and disadvantages of:

A neutral approachA balanced approachA committed approach

Should students be free to express whatever opinions they like in lessons?

Do students have a right to know the

personal views of their teachers?

Why or why not?

Plenary

Thank you for your hard work and contributions