How do we talk about issues that matter?

     Teaching about controversial topics has been a long debate about how, when, or if they should even be discussed in the classroom. The answer to that is yes, we have come so far in our history and educating students on how we evolved with social movements and hardships allow them to form their own opinions and how to fight for things they believe in. In the module video about the teaching using the barometer method, the teacher began his class with an icebreaker to allow students to learn that their opinion is valued no matter what opinion they have. I think this would be useful in all classrooms to break the barrier between students. It also taught them how to express their different opinions by saying “I see why they said that but…”, this also showed good and positive argumentation skills. 

    Another factor of talking about issues that matter is for educators to be aware of any biases they have. The letter by Dylan Wray where he apologizes to his past students for having unconscious biases of students of color, explains that everyone may have unconscious biases. It is crucial to leave all biased opinions outside the classroom to prevent students from feeling singled out. Ask for opinions from all students, do not be scared of differing opinions because some students have important experiences that could and should be shared with their peers. Overall, this would allow students to develop empathy and see the world in a different point of view other than their own. 

 

In Dylan Wrays letter, I found a golden line that I thought is valuable as a future educator,

 

 “I shouldn’t have interpreted your silence as acceptance.”