Teaching students to discuss controversial issues

Learn to facilitate discussions on controversial issues and address AI in education.

The Structured Academic Controversy teaches students to consider and discuss different perspectives on a controversial issue. This protocol helps students build critical thinking skills and learn to discuss in a productive and civil manner.

This workshop delivers 2 valuable protocols to foster classroom discussion. To learn about the additional 18, check out our full course offering for Grades 6-12 and  Higher Education instructors and leaders.

After the workshop you’ll be able to:

• Define “discussion” in relation to other types of student talk.
• Implement an easy student share protocol.
• Plan and facilitate a Structured Academic Controversy either in person or online.
• Implement a Super Statement discussion protocol that requires synthesis of key concepts.
• Begin conversations with your colleagues about the emerging place of AI in the classroom and the resulting centrality of discussion.
• Understand key insights on the role of discussion in the new era of AI in education.

A Discussion Project Workshop –The Structured Academic Controversy

The Discussion Project’s highly interactive workshop, with a focus on Structured Academic Controversy, teaches instructors a tried-and-true method for having students discuss controversial issues in a safe and productive manner. The workshop also addresses the role of discussion in the new era of AI in learning environments.

What
2 hour online workshop focusing on Student Academic Controversy and AI in the classroom.

Who
Educators in grades 6-12 and instructors in higher education. Enroll as an individual, with your colleagues or entire department.

Accreditation
Participants will receive a The Discussion Project Certificate of Completion which may be used for continuing education credit (2 hours).

If you’d like to set up a workshop for your school, team or district, please contact us for flexible dates and times.

What is Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)?

Structured Academic Controversy is a cooperative learning and discussion structure that teaches students to consider different perspectives on a controversial issue. In a SAC, students read closely, think critically, assemble arguments, listen, and speak as they engage with a controversial issue.

A SAC is not a debate; it is a discussion. Through implementation, it teaches the skills of discussion, requiring and guiding students to listen carefully and build a more nuanced understanding about an authentically engaging issue.