TESL 0100: Unit 7 Reflection - Controversial Topics in the Language Classroom
TESL 0100 Unit 7
Reflection: Controversial Topics in the Language Classroom
For this week’s blog post, I’d like
to discuss the use of controversial topics in the language classroom as a way
for students to develop their skills in debating and expressing opinions. To
start, I think that these can make for some incredible learning opportunities,
where students can develop their language skills while exchanging their opinions
on relevant issues. These activities can help build better informed individuals
and allow them to use language in a powerful way. However, with that said, I
feel that teachers should also use some caution when introducing certain
controversial topics, especially ones that relate to politics and religion.
These can be sensitive areas that not all students may feel comfortable talking
about. As a teacher, should you encourage students to step out of their comfort
zone and share their beliefs on such topics? Or should you refrain from using
such topics for the sake of maintaining a safe learning environment? Personally,
I’m not entirely sure on what the answers are to such questions. However, I’ll
do my best to share my two cents on the matter.
I think a good place to start is to
seek input directly from the students themselves. At the beginning of the
course, as part of the needs assessment, you could include a section on controversial
topics. In that section, you could provide a list of topics for students to
choose from and ask them to check off the ones that they’d like to discuss in
class. Students could also be encouraged to offer their own suggestions for controversial
topics they’d like to discuss. In addition to this, you might also want to include
a section that asks students which topics they don’t feel comfortable talking
about. By going this route, you would be able to gauge which topics students
are comfortable with and which ones they aren’t comfortable with and be able to
plan lessons accordingly.
When discussing these sensitive
topics, I think that teachers need to lay some ground rules for their students,
so that they can share their opinions in a productive and respectful way. Otherwise,
these debates can quickly fall apart and lead to hurt and division amongst the students.
Before beginning their discussions, teachers should explain to their students
that “...all expressed opinions are legitimate, and [that] the person giving
them is to be valued and respected, and not belittled or ridiculed.” (Brown &
Lee, 2015, p.281). It’s important that students do not take these discussions
personally, but rather see them as an opportunity to learn about differing
points of view.
In conclusion, I think teachers should
not refrain from controversial topics simply because they may be “challenging”.
They can be an incredible way for
students to use language to express their opinions and to think critically. However,
I believe that teachers should use caution when introducing them into the
classroom. I think that teachers should be sensitive to each teaching context
and act accordingly by taking their students into account. Rather than impose
what you the teacher think students should discuss, you should ask them
directly.
So, I ask you the reader, what do
you think?
References
H. Brown, H. L. (2015). Teaching by Principles:
An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy. White Plains, NY: Pearson
Education, Inc. .
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