How do we talk about issues that matter?
Class discussion plays a huge role in how we address issues that matter. This way, students can hear each other's opinions and decide whether or not they agree or disagree. It is good, not only for students but for everyone, to hear opinions that challenge their beliefs that way we don't become complacent with our own ideas. Additionally, it can be very insightful for teachers and other students to hear all the different experiences that students have. However, students need to be comfortable enough in their class to share these things. Luckily, there are many different ways to encourage class engagement during discussion; two of which I will be discussing.
One way is the "Fishbowl" which is similar to a Socratic seminar. It is essentially a circle of kids in the middle who are willing to share their opinions on a topic or reading that was assigned, and then a larger circle on the outside of kids who choose to just observe and listen to what is being said and can "tap in" if they decide they have something they want to contribute. I like how this method allows for students to share and hear opinions in a relatively low pressure environment since it is not required to share. I did something similar to this in school but usually we rotated out between the larger circle and smaller circle.
There is also the Barometer method, which I think is my favorite. Basically you give students a paper with different statements and they decide if they agree or disagree and to what degree and then give a brief explanation. Then, they stand in specific parts of the room that are correlated with their opinion and share why they think that; this then gives students with differing opinions an opportunity to respectfully disagree and debate. Students can also change their opinion if they hear something that convinces them otherwise which I think is really important. I also did this during school and I always found it really fun and engaging. The teacher will also always be there to facilitate the conversation and offer support for both of these activities.
At the end of the day, all activities like this have the same goal: to empower students to speak up and share their thoughts in class. This could make the world of a difference whenever you move on to discussing heavier topics because the kids will be comfortable sharing and asking questions or contributing to what is being discussed. It is also important to not completely remove yourself from the issues you're speaking on. It is our job to try to break down unconscious biases and acknowledge that a lot of issues we talk about are continuing through the present and that it takes putting in the work every single day to make a change.
Sources:
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2020-06-15-a-letter-to-the-students-of-colour-who-were-in-my-history-classes/
https://www.facinghistory.org/professional-development/ondemand/fostering-active-engagement-through-fishbowl-discussionLinks to an external site.
https://www.facinghistory.org/professional-development/ondemand/barometerLinks to an external site.
Hi Alissa! Loved reading your blog post, the format was super easy to read. I agree it is super important for classes to have discussions because it is a great way for students to hear others' opinions and then voice their own. Not everyone will agree on everything but it is important to have an open mind. I remember doing Socratic seminars in English class, it was hard to volunteer to sit in that inner circle but even if you were not you still had to listen to everyone's opinions. Your second opinion is also remembered doing, It is a great way to keep everyone engaged and moving. I do think it's important for teachers to keep track of who is talking and who is not because these activities should be a great way for everyone to have time to voice their opinions. I loved what you wrote about incorporating these types of conversations with less major controversial topics so that when those harder conversations come along students will already feel more comfortable speaking their opinion and questioning others.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Abbey! I agree that it is important to monitor which students are speaking and which are not in order to make sure no one student is dominating the discussion while others get looked over.
DeleteHi Alissa! I enjoyed reading your blog post and how you included your feelings toward different strategies to help empower students. I believe it is essential to start with easy topics like, "What's your favorite form of potato?" and build for more controversial topics. However, teaching open-mindedness is difficult. Humans typically hate change and are stubborn. They don't want to listen to other sides of the conversation. How can we teach this? How can we create an environment where everyone will have the right intentions? I remember voicing my opinion in class when it was a class discussion and immediately got shut down by my teacher and peers. Not everyone will have the same positive outcome with these strategies. How can we, as teachers, empower each student, without having them instantly shut down each other? Some students are also terrified to speak during class due to being shut down at home, so how can we empower them as well? It feels like we need to have multiple strategies going on at the same time. Every student won't learn the same way. Thank you for letting me see your side, I hope to learn more about it.
ReplyDeleteHi Brittnee, I totally understand how people can often be stubborn or unwilling to hear other peoples’ opinions, however that’s what these activities are for; to get students to hear each other out and become comfortable voicing their own opinions. I also think it is really important as the educator to emphasize the importance of respecting each other during these discussions and to do an appropriate job monitoring what is being said and making sure it is not hateful. It is also the educator’s job to make sure no one gets “shut down” like you said you were. And yes, as you said every student is different and therefore may need different strategies so it is important to try a couple.
DeleteHi Alissa! I loved this post and the way that you included your thoughts on different forms of conversation encouragement. I have done the barometer method before in class and while I did enjoy it, there was usually an argument that came to play when the questions became more philosophical than something like books are awesome. Even with the teacher facilitating, I found that it is usually more of a chaotic way to introduce students to the idea that all opinions matter. Do you think that there are other ways that we could introduce differences in opinions in the classroom? How can we keep these situations from blowing up into arguments? I agree that it is so important to show kids that their opinions are valid. Encouraging students to speak up is so important especially when they grow up and go to work somewhere. Teaching a kid that their voice matters can help to build self-esteem and communication skills needed in the future.
ReplyDeleteHey Rylee! Yeah I totally think there are many different ways to introduce class discussion besides the ones I talked about and I think it would be totally worthwhile to look into those in the future. As far as not having discussions get too heated, I think it’s important for the teacher to moderate appropriately / keep control of the classroom and emphasize the importance of respect in these situations.
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