Talking Politics: Valuing Different Perspectives

TL;DR

Students learn to consider different perspectives and engage in respectful conversations to develop critical thinking and empathy.

Transcript

Student: More and more people are coming out. And then more and more people are becoming accepting of LGBT rights. >>Soljane: If you are personally connected to an issue, might that make it harder or easier for you to go to that other side? >>Student: If you have been affected by an issue and it's like really, really-- that made you who you are t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗯️ More people are becoming accepting of LGBT rights, and personal connections to an issue can make it challenging to change one's views on it.
• 🤔 The class at Highlander encourages critical thinking and the ability to consider various perspectives.
• 🧑‍🎓 Discussions on challenging topics help students develop awareness of current events and the world around them.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does being personally connected to an issue affect one's ability to consider another perspective?

Being personally affected by an issue can make it difficult to change one's views on that issue as it is tied to one's identity and experiences. It requires conscious effort to step outside of one's own experiences and empathize with others.

Q: What topics have been covered in the class discussions?

The class has covered topics such as abortion, sexual assault on college campuses, immigration, and presidential appointments. The discussions are based on current events and the evolving state of the country.

Q: How has the class changed students' awareness of current events?

Prior to taking the class, some students had little interest in current events and the news. However, the class has made them more aware of what is happening around them and has sparked their interest in staying informed.

Q: How does the class help students prepare for real-world interactions?

The class equips students with the skills to engage in respectful and productive discussions with people who hold different opinions. They learn how to argue their point effectively while also being able to listen and understand where others are coming from.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Students at Highlander school engage in challenging discussions on various topics such as abortion, sexual assault, and immigration, to develop their critical thinking skills and ability to consider different perspectives.

• The goal is for students to learn how to advocate for themselves while also being able to understand and respect differing viewpoints.

• The class has helped students become more aware of current events and has prepared them to engage in discussions with others who may have different opinions.