Discussions+in+Social+Studies

|| Using Discussion Models
 * || [[image:http://www.lawanddemocracy.org/images/COLUMNON.JPG width="56" height="47" link="@http://www.lawanddemocracy.org/index.html"]] || [[image:http://www.lawanddemocracy.org/images/index.title.jpg width="492" height="37"]] ||
 * **Discussing Controversial Issues:**

In this Discussion Module:...Why Discussion?Defining DiscussionUsing Discussion ModelsSelecting IssuesPreparing for DiscussionEstablishing NormsEngaging StudentsAssessing DiscussionTeacher ReflectionsData Base ||  ||   ||   ||
 *  A number of discussion models are available. The models have slightly different outcomes and involve somewhat different sk ills —but all can be beneficial. An essential element of planning for discussion is choosing a model that will work for the topic selected and your purposes. Since students need to understand how a model works, they need to be taught the model and given opportunities to practice. Diana Hess recommends that teachers choose one or two models and stick with them so students have an opportunity to become skilled in discussions based on those models .


 * Structured Academic Controversy . ** This model developed by the cooperative learning gurus Roger and David Johnson is a small group (four-person) model in which four-person groups try to reach consensus on some aspect of an issue.
 * Public Issues Model . ** This model, developed at Harvard in the 1960s, teaches students to identify the types of issues (definitional, fact-explanation, and values) about which there is disagreement. Once the type of issue has been identified, different strategies can be applied for resolving the issues and/or moving discussion forward.


 * Civil Conversation . ** This model, developed by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, is a text-based model. That is, discussion is grounded in a shared reading (or viewing—visuals can also be used as “texts”) experience.

**Philosophical Chairs.** Philosophical Chairs is a model developed by philosophy professor Zahary Seech and adapted for classroom use by Dale Fountain of Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Washington. Philosophical chairs is a structured large-group discussion model. || [] || More sites for Structured Academic Controversy - [] [|http://www.lawanddemocracy.org/discussionsac.htmlhttp://teachinghistory.org/teaching-materials/teaching-guides/21731]
 * For a resource with information about various models, see Ronald W. Evans and David Warren Saxe, ed., Handbook on Teaching Social Issues, NCSS Bulletin 93 (Washington, DC: National Council for the Social Studies, 1996). This module provides a brief introduction to four models: ||
 * As you learn more about these models, think about which model would best meet your goals and fit your teaching style and curricular needs.
 * As you learn more about these models, think about which model would best meet your goals and fit your teaching style and curricular needs.