suggestions for class discussion topics for middle school?

Answer 1

My students also enjoyed open forum days. One topic they kept returning to was cell phone costs...you know...plan differences. This became a wonderful research project....which provider's plan/coverage/etc. was best or the most cost effective and why. Many used their findings to procure cell phones from their parents! Talk about using what you learned LOL .

Answer 2

Discussion Topics For Middle School

Answer 3

While I don't teach on the public school level, I do in my classroom use plenty of discussions. Sometimes I get them from my students, while most often, I get them from news events.

My suggestion is to find something in the news that's related to the topic at hand, and throw it their way.

Perfect example, I taught a lesson on reducing fractions, so I pulled out a discussion board question posted by the parent of a middle school student. Used it to show what middle school students are being asked to do, then asked my college students if they thought this was too tough a problem for middle schoolers.

Key with discussions is to make sure it's on point, nothing that will offend anyone, and something that will truly engage them and get them thinking.

This is the approach I always take regardless of what I'm teaching, and I've taught everything from accounting to web design.

Answer 4

Why not put this in the hands of your students and have them write down a topic that most interests each individual and then discuss each topic over a length of time. You can narrow it down to specific subject matters such as places they wish they could go, what do they see themselves doing after High School or College? :)
Other topics: Global Warming, Alternative Fuel Sources, Internet Predators-Dateline NBC, Politics&Foriegn Policy, Computers and Programs/Games, Automobiles&Driving

Answer 5

Open forum...Oh My Gosh, they love it. I dig the answer about having the kids write down a topic. Have them write down something...on a small piece of paper......and pick them from a bowl...watch the faces. They are soo into telling you things about themselves. Make sure you look ahead, like you should when someone brings in a "project" made with a videocamera at home. LOL ;p! The kids will lead it. I have done a scatterplot with this and developed it into Web internet based instruction...writing,debate, etc. They will lead it, just be sure to choose something that makes their eyes light up during class. I have learned that some of the things I think they wouldn't like, they usually do ;p! Good luck!

Answer 6

Olympics, celebrites and eating disorders. That pretty much sums of middle school for me.

Answer 7

start them early. what do they think of todays government. so you can see how kids are think about these issues

Answer 8

world hunger