Strategies for the Classroom

Academic Controversy

  • Write a statement on the board, asking students to ponder a position from the area of study. For example, “Is grounding a teenager effective?”
  • If the statement generates a one-sided statement, then assign learners to a specific perspective.
  • Ask the students to stand up and find a partner from the opposite perspective.
  • Have the first learners state their case, asserting their beliefs in the position they’ve taken.
  • Now the other person in the pair gets a turn.
  • Once both learners are finished, they must CHANGE roles, this time adding new information and not repeating what had already been stated.
  • Have a class discussion at the end and write a reflection.

For more strategies, please check out the book Social Studies Strategies for Active Learners

Card Sort

  • Take all the information and create categories.
  • Photocopy all headings of categories using cardstock of one particular color.
  • Photocopy all information that would be categorized under the headings on a different colored cardstock. Therefore, two colors are used: one for headings and one for information.
  • Cut the headings and information into separate strips and place them in an envelope, one for each table group.
  • Distribute envelopes.
  • Instruct participants to arrange topics under headings.

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Changing Perspective Internally

  • Arrange the class so that the chairs are clustered in corners.
  • Have students take a specific perspective on a given issue.
  • Ask questions that have them reflect internally. It should not be spoken, but students should take notes.
  • Have the group move to the opposite side of the room and change seats.
  • Have them take a different perspective.
  • Again, ask questions that have them reflect internally. It should not be spoken, but students should take notes.
  • Students write a reflection.
  • Optional: Have students discuss what took place the next day, first with a partner and then with their table group, before having a class discussion.

For more strategies, please view our article: Viewing Events from Multiple Perspectives

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