Is it right for teachers to deal with controversial political issues in the classroom ?

Answer 1

It depends on the age of the students. College professors are practically required to address controversial subjects to grant a well-rounded education (as long as the topic is relevant). Elementary schools shouldn't do it at all. Parents should be solely responsile for teaching their kids about politics and religion while they're still kids.

High school teachers should be allowed, as long as they handle the topic delicately. They should be careful to moderate any discussion so that none of the kids will be attacked while they are in the process of forming their own opinions.

Answer 2

In an AGE-APPROPRIATE and BALANCED manner, I see no problem with it.

However, like most people, teachers may have difficulty remaining truly unbiased and present issues with a one-sided slant. It's a difficult tightrope to walk, and I don't envy the teachers who try it.

Age appropriate-ness is another thing that teachers might have difficulty with. What is common knowledge among 5th graders in an urban school system, might be scandalous among their peer group in a small, rural school.

Common sense would be the best aid and guide here, but sadly, some teachers and many administrators are lacking it.

Let the flame-wars begin.


Kind regards.

Answer 3

As long as the teacher does not impose thier own political views, it can be a great learning and debating experience for the students. An exercise in them learning to form thier own opinions on a subject from the facts.

Answer 4

One of the things that teachers teach is being able to think for oneself. Controversy is one way of getting students to talk. The problem happens if the teacher does not respect all points of view or forces his/her view on the students.

Answer 5

Part of the reason young adults don't vote is because they don't know what the political terms or goals are. Politics is one of the important issues schools are not covering and should be. Our kids may be able to write a perfect sentence and be able to dissect it for you but must likely they can't tell you what a percentage rate does to the credit limit.

Answer 6

I don't agree with it on the basis that the teacher will be inclined to teach toward their own political leanings. It would be a damn fine teacher that could present a political case objectively.

Answer 7

Teachers need to prepare students to become informed citizens so yes. They need to deal with it in a tasteful way.

Answer 8

I think it could be beneficial if all points are allowed to be voiced. Students will be able to speak out in a safe environment, and will also learn to respect other views.

Answer 9

the only "gay concern" i will work out you touching on is pupils harassing gay pupils. they could desire to in fact take care of that like they could desire to handle the different themes of teasing and verbal/actual intimidation, i.e. deliver the aggressors to the critical or supply detention for small infractions and suspension/expulsion for greater suitable themes or repeated offenses. different issues, i in my view can no longer see the place a instructor has any enterprise in it.

Answer 10

Yes, as long as all sides are fairly presented, as long as it does not turn into something -bashing, as long as it helps people to understand a situation,

It should never be used to add fuel to a fire.