Should we “just stick to the facts”? The benefit of controversial conversations in classrooms

ABSTRACT

Controversial topics may be uncomfortable for teachers to include in their in-class discussions. However, there are considerable cognitive and social-emotional benefits to engagement in controversial conversations, or classroom discussion about controversial topics. It is critical that teachers support students in respectful discussion to help them develop skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to consider issues from multiple perspectives. These skills can enable students to meet larger educational goals such as engaged citizenship. The goal of this article is to highlight the benefits of controversial conversations in the classroom and describe teaching approaches that facilitate effective controversial conversations. First, we identify important factors for teachers’ consideration in supporting effective and beneficial controversial conversations. Second, we provide examples of topics of conversations that may be appropriate for students of varying ages. Third, we review how the structure of conversation, scaffolding, classroom context, relationships, and students’ individual differences can shape controversial conversations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional Resources

• 1) Zimmerman, J., & Robertson, E. (2017). The case for contention: Teaching controversial issues in American schools. University of Chicago Press.

This book reviews the history of controversial conversations in the classroom, discusses concerns, and presents constraints for teachers and administrators. Through authentic examples of teachers engaging in controversial discussions with their students, the authors make an argument for the benefits of controversial conversations for students. This book supports teachers’ and administrators’ confidence in knowing when and why they should engage their students in controversial conversations.

• 2) Schieble, M., Vetter, A., & Martin, K.M. (2020). Classroom talk for social change: Critical conversations in English language arts. Teachers College Press.

In this book, written by teachers for teachers and teacher educators, the authors provide a how-to manual for facilitating controversial conversations with examples from an in-depth study of 6 English Language Arts classrooms. Teachers will learn both why and how to confidently engage students in discussion of controversial topics, including resources for creating a safe space, choosing literary works to guide conversations, and developing critical listening skills.

• 3) Teaching Tolerance. (2019). Let’s talk! Facilitating critical conversations with students. Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/publications/lets-talk

This brief guide provides a multitude of strategies and activities that K-12 teachers can use to facilitate controversial conversations. This resource can be used as a workbook to prepare for and guide controversial conversations. The step-by-step instructions provide practical application to the factors important for teachers to consider with controversial conversations, including recognizing student differences, creating a safe classroom context, and creating structure for the dialogue.