EFFECTIVE PRACTICES:

These steps for engaging learners in discussion and inquiry about controversial issues were written with K-12 teachers in mind, but are easily transferable to an adult basic education context.

Raise the topic (e.g., New York City budget) on the board and draw a circle around it. Ask the learners to brainstorm all their initial responses. Write them down in the form of a "Web," each connected to the center. Don't discuss the responses; accept all contributions. The teachers asks only such questions as "What does that mean?" "Can you say more about that?" "Does anyone else have anything to add to that information?" and (especially for erroneous or extremely one-sided information) "Where did you learn that?" or "Is that a fact or is it someone's opinion?"

As soon as undefined vocabulary words, vague concepts, and unanswered questions begin to emerge, begin a separate list of "Things to find out more about." These will serve as guidelines for ongoing research, and some may even develop into separate topics to pursue later.

Information-gathering assignment (homework): Have the learners find out everything they can about the initial question. Tell them to "be prepared to share what you can in your own words." It is all right to read articles or to watch TV news, but the best source of information is interviewing people such as relatives or friends. Do not copy down anyone else's words, but it is all right to take notes in your own words.

Share again responses to the initial question in a brainstorming session. Again, learners must share the information they gathered in their own words. Write down all responses. The teacher can ask the same questions as in item 1, but offer no information and no "answers." Add to the list of "Things to find out more about" from item 2.

Continue the process of gathering information, sharing information, identifying things to find out more about, and going out to gather still more information for as long as the topic seems interesting. Encourage the learners to listen to and learn from each other. They can begin to ask each other to explain what a new word means, to elaborate on a concept, to consider new questions, and to state their source of information. The teacher's role is an active one & facilitating, clarifying and questioning; but without imposing information.

If a concept emerges that sparks much interest or confusion, pose it as a new question about which to seek information. Share and question until a satisfactory base of information has been established. More than one line of questioning can go on at the same time.

Periodically, give the learners an individual written assignment in class to summarize their thoughts about a particular question. The assignment can be worded as "What do you know about X," "Things you don't understand about X, "Something X makes you think about," or any other way you can find to help crystalize learners' individual thinking about the topic. Sharing these compositions aloud or posting them for all to read helps make all the information public.

As individual or group projects emerge, follow up on them. The class may decide to write letters to public figures; one or two learners may decide to pursue a challenging research topic to report on to the group; or an outside resource may unexpectedly appear. Be flexible.

Let parents, your colleagues, the media know what you are doing. Invite their participation, encourage dialogue.

Let your project end with something either public or permanent - a class presentation to the rest of the school about what they have learned, an article for the school paper or the local newspaper, a class book or individual books for the school library, or class participation in an event. It is important for learners to feel that their learning is relevant and can lead to the ability to make a contribution to the larger world.

Source:Literacy Update, Vol. 5, No. 1, Sept. 1995, p 7