Global Issues An FHS Socratic Seminar by Ms. Tovay-Ryder

What are Global Issues? Global issues are explained as matters of great social concern that affect human populations locally and that are shared among diverse human societies within our global community So what does this mean in your own words?

Global Issues cont. Learning about a new global issue is only the first step to developing the skills you need to have a lasting impact. In the end, the extent of your impact on a specific global issue will depend on your capacity, and the capacity of others, to create meaningful and sustainable change with the help and support of your community.

Global Issues cont. It all comes down to POLITICAL WILL Examples anyone?

Socratic Seminar This process is based on the teaching of Socrates’ method of teaching.

Socrates Says… We learn best by continuing to ask questions, rather than arrive at answers.

This is not a debate There will be a dialogue where different points of view are welcomed, even if they are not agreed upon.

Expectations You will be expected to participate. You will be graded on your participation, as well as your preparation for the topic of the seminar. Your statements must be backed up by materials we have used in class and outside research and readings you do. You are to use correct terminology. Remember to cite your source of information.

Guidelines Everyone must be respected. We all have different experiences so we all have something different and valuable to contribute to the dialogue. Please recognize this when participating. If you have something to say, speak up; you will be respected. If you feel you are monopolizing time, be respectful and draw others into the dialogue.

Daily Expectations Be prepared- you should be referencing materials during the seminar Speak up- if you say nothing, you won’t get above a 70 for the seminar Be respectful- disagree without being disagreeable, don’t monopolize the conversation, and don’t interrupt others

Daily Expectations cont. Be relevant- stay on topic, avoid “sound bites,” and don’t be repetitive Be open- this class is not about being right; it is about fully exploring the topic. It is arrogant to think that we will close the door on discussion on a given topic in 50 minutes. The two most important words in seminar are “What about…”

Guidelines for Deliberation What is deliberation? How is deliberation different from debate? Why is it important to know how to deliberate? Guidelines

What is deliberation? As an individual, one considers the merits of a range of alternatives and weigh the advantages as well as the tradeoffs of each. After thinking the issue through, we will try to make the best possible choice. It may not be perfect, but it is informed by all of the information that we can bring to the decision at that time.

Cont. When we deliberate with others the process is collaborative and involves more than just one person’s experience, needs, and perspective. It requires a commitment on the part of all who enter into the process to listen to the perspectives and the knowledge of all who are participating and to try to learn from one another.

How is deliberation different from debate? In a deliberation everyone expects to end up in a different place as a result of the discussion. You contribute your knowledge and perspective to the whole, listening to one another and building on the contributions of others. By engaging in shared ideas, everyone grows in his or her knowledge and understanding. This is a collaborative process. Its aim is to share perspectives and knowledge and to build ideas, not to defend them.

Why is it important to know how to deliberate? What if our ideas are not fully formed? What if the issue is complex and involves multiple interests? How do you generate new approaches that address multiple needs? This calls for careful listening and an openness to the knowledge and the views of others. It requires building new ideas and new approaches together. Deliberation is the cornerstone of democracy and will increase your capacity to participate fully in democracy.

Guidelines Speak your mind freely, but don’t monopolize conversation. Listen carefully to others. Avoid building your own argument in your head while others are talking. Remember that this is about sharing ideas and building new ones. Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. See if you can make a strong case for an argument with which you disagree. Help to develop one another’s ideas. Listen carefully and ask clarifying questions like “Can you explain further what you meant by.”

Cont. Paraphrase each other to confirm understanding of others’ points. You may say, “So are you saying…” Build off of each other. Refer specifically to other deliberators and their ideas. Be open to changing your mind. This will help you listen to others. When disagreement occurs, don’t personalize it. Look for common concerns. Be careful not to discredit another person’s point of view. You may say, “I share your concern that…, but have you considered…”

Cont. Remember that, although you are trying to listen to and build on each other’s ideas, that doesn’t mean that everyone has to end up in the same place. Do not be afraid to say you don’t know or to say you’ve changed your opinion.

Socratic Seminar Rubric On a scale of 2-5 (5 being the best), here’s what a 5 looks like: Conduct- patient with differing opinion, asks for clarification, brings others into the dialogue, very focused on the dialogue Speaking- speaks to all participants, is articulate, takes a leadership role without monopolizing the discussion

Cont. Reasoning- cites relevant text, relates topic to outside knowledge and other topics, makes connections between own thoughts and others’, willing to take an alternative viewpoint, asks questions to further dialogue. Listening- writes down comments, questions, ideas, builds on other’s ideas and gives others credit

Cont. Reading/Preparation- familiar with the text, understands major concepts, is well-prepared

Rubric cont. Here’s a 2: Conduct- disrespectful, argumentative, does not participate Speaking- reluctant to speak, comments do not support point Reasoning- illogical comments, ignores the movement of the seminar Listening- inattentive, comments show lack of understanding

Cont. Reading/Preparation- unfamiliar with text, very unprepared for discussion

The Choices Approach: Watson Institute for International Studies- Brown University Current Issues – I. introduction to the issue – II. Historical background – III. Current Issues Prepare and present current policy options-draw on background to make the case Options framed in stark terms to highlight different policies and their underlying values

Choices cont. – IV. Students deliberate together about the pros and cons of the options – V. Students articulate their own considered judgment as a new option – VI. Students consider the significance for today

Sample Assessment Group Assessment – The group made good use of its preparation time – The presentation reflected analysis of the issues under consideration – The group incorporated relevant sections of the background reading into the presentation – The group’s presenters spoke clearly, maintained eye contact, and made an effort to hold the attention of their audience – The presentation incorporated contributions from all the members of the group

Cont. Individual Assessment – The student cooperated with other group members – The student was well-prepared to meet his/her responsibilities – The student made a significant contribution to the group’s presentation

21 st Century Skills Critical thinking Creativity and innovation Collaboration Media and technology literacy Global awareness Civic literacy