Home Inspiration and news Class discussions on controversial topics

Class discussions on controversial topics

In practice

6 July 2023

How do you react when a controversial topic comes up in class? The trainee teachers from PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts attended a training by Djapo and received the necessary information to determine the role of the teacher in a polarised debate. Find out how the training proceeded.

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Measuring temperature

The training is structured so that students can experience different methods to facilitate class discussions. After a check-in with the wheel of feelings students express their opinion on the topic 'polarisation in the class room' with Djapo's agreement chord.

After that, we measure the temperature in the room: how do the students feel about the topic. Cold, hot, or lukewarm? Students' hands go up in the air with the coloured card that best reflects their feelings. Afterwards the students discuss the pros and cons of controversial topics in class.

"I do try to talk about controversial topics in class, but sometimes I get stuck. Thanks to the tips and methods of Djapo, I feel more confident. Now I have a kind of manual."

Maxime

Student PXL Hasselt

From controversy to polarisation

After hands-on techniques to excite students, it is time for students to reflect on their position during a class discussion on a controversial topic. As a teacher, should I be neutral? Am I allowed to express my opinion? Or am I best to take a conciliatory role? An insightful video clip introduces students to Brandsma's polarisation model.

Then things get serious. Faced with real examples of controversial statements, the students discuss their own approach. The war in Ukraine, global warming, LGBTI+ ... plenty of interesting topics!

What did the students and the lecturer think of the session? You can read that below!

I found it a very informative session. I like to bring up controversial topics in class because I find them really enriching for the students. I learnt a lot, especially when it comes to my role as a teacher during a controversial class discussion. I really enjoyed understanding class dynamics better and experiencing new ways of working.

Ceren

Teacher-in-training English & Dutch

Above all, we want our students to take the elements from the session into their daily teaching practice. That they are open to controversial topics and, above all, dare to discuss them. I was pleasantly surprised by the session. Especially about the students' enthusiasm. It is holidays and they have to attend workshops. Yet they participated very well. I also liked the approach. There is a lot of variety and interaction, which I think is important. It also gives some practical tools that students can apply in teaching practice. I have attended this session twice now and I am very satisfied. Next year, Djapo will definitely be welcome here again!

Mario

Lecturer Diversity & Classroom Management PXL Hasselt

Published on 6 July 2023

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