Dealing with Controversial Issues

in Social Studies

PAST ….. PRESENT …. FUTURE

V-aluesA-ttitudesS-killsK-nowledge

VASK

How provocative should social

studies topics be?

Some educators believe that certain issues are best addressed privately -- at home social studies should focus on objective facts public controversy is characteristic of a healthy democracy working with others to address multiple perspectives is a skill that students need to develop in a classroom context.

Controversial issues require students to conduct thorough research, master concepts on

both sides of an issue, and develop a perspective of their

own.

The most difficult issues often have a profound impact on students, and class discussions about these issues can leave teachers feeling like referees. The challenge for all teachers is finding the fine line between engaging students' interest and maintaining a sense of objectivity that lets students master the material and develop their own perspectives.

Studies shows that ……..

Most teachers had a good understanding of controversial issues, and strongly felt that they should be addressed as part of the curriculum; Primary teachers’ understanding of current controversial issues does not derive from their teacher training experiences, but from their willingness to gain and impart knowledge;

Teachers used activities such as role play, discovery learning, debate, composition writing, drama and group-work presentations to teach controversial issues;

How can teachers help students to understand the ideas and

values behind historical controversies, competing

ideologies, and changing laws?

conducting research using several resources,discussing the facts linked to the controversy,determining points of view,supporting a point of view with evidence gathered from research,listening to opposing points of view and engaging in a debate, andproposing solutions

What should we do?

R- I- S- K-

EKINDLE

NTENSIFY

TUDY

EEP

References

• http://www.enterprisingschools.com/library/documents/addressing-current-controversial-issues-through-social-studies-curriculum-making-s

• http://www.learner.org/libraries/socialstudies/issues/issues/index.html

Daghang Salamat !!!