Discussing Controversy

Philosophical Chairs. Gets almost all students involved in the discussion (not really a debate...) of a controversial issue... Silly little video to illustrate this discussion format.

Spontaneous Argumentation. Students frame their argument in one minute and then react quickly to their opponents’ ideas...
Socratic Seminar. Students help one another understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in a text through a group discussion format...
Anticipation Guides. This strategy asks students to express their opinions about ideas before they encounter them in a text or unit of study...
Four Corners. Students show their position on a specific statement (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree) by standing in a particular corner of the room...
Barometer: Taking a Stand on Controversial Issues. Helps students share their opinions by asking them to line up along a continuum based on their position on an issue. It is especially useful when you want to discuss an issue about which students have a wide range of opinions...

Research such as that of Walter Parker and Dr. Diana Hess has shown the powerful effects on future civic engagement when students are exposed to the discussion of current and controversial issues under the guidance of a skilled teacher.