What are some good ways to discuss controversial material?
- Preface the discussion by acknowledging that the material has the potential
to touch some people very deeply. Let students know the purpose of the discussion,
and lay some ground-rules about how to proceed.
- Remind everyone about their role as academics.
- Set forth very clearly the criteria with which you wish to discuss the material
that day (i.e. be prepared to keep discussion very focused).
- If someone becomes impassioned, first validate the strength of their feelings then gently remind them to stick to the agenda: "Mike, that's a very powerful issue, and I'd love to take it up a bit later. But to get the class through everything today, we really need to stick to the issues here on the board."
Address questions or comments about TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director, 64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
Teaching Effectiveness Program, Teaching and Learning Center, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
01/26/10