How to Teach Civil Debate
Every community confronts divisive times. A healthy community has figured out how to have disagreements without being disagreeable.
So, a key skill is teaching how to have a civil debate.
The civicsrenewalnetwork.org offers a range of resources to support the community as they attempt to teach civil debate..
Here is their list of things to teach and the resources to teach them.
Class this data is found: How to Teach Civil Debate
Dealing With Controversial Issues
This program examines how social studies teachers at any grade level can encourage open and informed discussions with their students while dealing with controversial issues. Topics range from stereotypes and gender-based discrimination to the conflict in the Middle East. Through clearly identifying issues, listening to multiple perspectives, and formulating personal positions, teachers explore strategies that can be used to teach challenging issues such as these in their own classrooms. Grades K-12. Annenberg Learner
Teaching With Current Events
News articles related to topics including federalism, citizen juries, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, gun rights, separation of powers and student rights are posted and connected to Bill of Rights Institute resources to make it easier to discuss the news in the classroom based on foundational knowledge. Grades 9-12. Bill of Rights Institute
Civil Conversation: Immigration Enforcement Raids
Controversial legal and policy issues, as they are discussed in the public arena, often lead to polarization, not understanding. This Civil Conversation activity offers an alternative. In this structured discussion method, under the guidance of a facilitator, participants are encouraged to engage intellectually with challenging materials, gain insight about their own point of view, and strive for a shared understanding of issues. This lesson plan addresses the debate over the policies of the federal agency – Immigration and Customs Enforcement – that investigates and enforces the nation’s immigration laws. Grades 10-12. Constitutional Rights Foundation
The Challenge of School Violence
Regardless of fluctuations in its rates, incidence, and categories, violence continues to create an ongoing challenge to the nation’s educational environment. This lesson examines school violence and policy proposals related to it. In a class simulation activity, students acting as school board members, evaluate school safety proposals. Grades 9-12. Constitutional Rights Foundation
The history of equal rights for members of the LGBT community is something often overlooked in classroom curriculum. With the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, it is important to look back at the men and women who fought for equality, especially right here in Philadelphia. Events, such as Reminder Day, are examples of how we can remember the contribution of men and women in the community who fought for their rights as citizens. Grades 9-12. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Constitutional Conversations: How to Have a Civil Dialogue
The Civil Dialogue Toolkit is one component of the module Constitutional Conversations: How to Have a Civil Dialogue. Use this toolkit to help facilitate civil, constructive conversations about the Constitution in the classroom. The two other components: a video analysis lesson plan about Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s explanation of how the Court decides cases and an activity sheet to understand the six interpretations judges use to evaluate a law. Grades 9-12. National Constitution Center.
From Provocative to Productive: Teaching Controversial Topics
Get first steps for creating a respectful yet vibrant environment for students to explore diverse ideas on controversial topics, from politics to profanity, religion to racism. Four guidelines and a debate leader checklist provide a foundation for those seeking to steer productive conversations about controversial subjects. Grades 8-12. NewseumED
Choose the News
This unit guides students as they explore how the news is chosen, becoming more informed and critical news consumers as they deepen their understanding of the process by which the free press operates. Grades 3-9. NewseumED
Texas v. Johnson: Should Americans be allowed to burn the flag?
This case summary provides teachers with everything they need to teach about Texas v. Johnson
(1989). It contains background information in the form of summaries and important vocabulary at three different reading levels, as well a review of relevant legal concepts, diagram of how the case moved through the court system, and summary of the decision. This resource also includes six classroom-ready activities that teach about the case using interactive methods. Grades 7-12. Street Law
Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions
Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions is a national initiative of the federal courts that brings high school and college students into federal courthouses for legal proceedings that stem from situations in which law-abiding young people can find themselves. These court hearings (not mock trials) are realistic simulations that showcase jury deliberations in which all students and learning styles participate, using civil discourse skills. This activity includes: Reality Check Quiz and Discussion Starter; Civil Discourse Skill Building; Courtroom Simulation; and Reality Check Discussion. Grades 10-12. U.S. Courts
Deliberation Resource Bundle and Video
Deliberations allow teachers to help students cooperatively discuss contested political issues by carefully considering multiple perspectives and search for consensus. Deliberations help students develop a deeper understanding of issues, engage in critical thinking, make decisions based on evidence and logic, respect others’ points of view, and identify multiple perspectives. Grades 9-12. Street Law
Deliberation Materials: Immigration
Should the U.S. government make it easier for unauthorized immigrants who came to this country as children to pay for college? This activity includes a deliberation reading and glossary as well as handouts to guide students through the deliberation process. Grades 9-12. Street Law
Deliberation Materials: Hate Speech
Should our state ban or allow hydraulic fracturing (or fracking)? This activity includes a deliberation reading and glossary as well as handouts to guide students through the deliberation process. Graces 9-12. Street Law