TITLE:  TOPICAL DISCUSSIONS

AUTHOR:  Mike Fitzgerald; McNary High School,
         Salem, Oregon

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  8 - 12 / American Government

OVERVIEW:  Since American Government is a class which must
rely on student participation through discussion, it is
necessary to encourage students to take part in class
discussions and to understand the necessity of being able to
explain why they believe as they do.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this activity is to encourage
students to share their opinions on controversial topics and
to be able to state why they hold those particular beliefs.

OBJECTIVES:  As a result of this activity, students will be
able to:
1.   list the arguments in favor of and against the
     topic.
2.   give reasons for supporting the arguments.
3.   write a paper stating their opinion on the topic and
     give reasons for holding that opinion.
     This activity works best when the teacher has some
     knowledge of the students and the class has become
     acquainted with each other.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:  Files of topics and newspaper and
magazine articles which express points of view may be
helpful.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   It is important for the teacher to restrain from
     voicing personal opinions and remember that in this
     activity any statement from a student is not answered
     directly.  The response to a question would be to
     phrase another question to the class.
2.   Select a controversial topic: ex. public executions.
3.   Ask students how they feel about the idea of putting
     executions on television.
4.   As students express their opinions, the teacher asks
     for reaction or input from other students.
5.   It is important for the teacher to see that all
     students are included in the discussion.
6.   As points for and against the proposal are raised they
     may be listed on the board to keep them from being
     repeated.
7.   It is important that the teacher lead the class from
     just stating opinions, to explaining why they believe
     what they say is correct.
8.   If necessary to create balance in the discussion the
     teacher may play "devil's advocate" with questions that
     will provide thoughts on other points of view.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  Using the lists of arguments on the
board have students state what they believe to be the best
solution to the topic.  Remember to require that they give
reasons for their beliefs and ask them to select at least
one point from the opposing view that they feel should be
explored more.