The 2016 election provides a great opportunity to study the political process in an authentic way. Students are likely already inundated in information and misinformation about the candidates. If educators are willing (some wonder if they are), the resources and interest are there to make this about as authentic an educational experience as is possible.
Resources to support educators are abundant. Here are several useful links:
We have now made it through the first presidential candidates’ debate and the only vice presidential candidates’ debate. I watched and listened. I have decided I hear what I want to hear and really don’t learn much. I thought I would learn more than I pick up from the carefully orchestrated 30 second ads. It turns out the debates are about as orchestrated. The candidates seem to resort to their well rehearsed talking points if the question or the last respondent’s answer offers a point of departure. I thought the moderator in the first debate pushed back against this strategy, but I did not have the same reaction last night.
Perhaps our engagement in the process is as important as the outcome. I am not sure I believe this, but I do believe that this is the point in time at which it is important to think carefully about the choice before us. We can no longer coast along relying on what used to be our technological and resource advantages.
In 2004, a nonprofit organization sought to increase the interest of young people in the election process by sponsoring a mock election for students AND their parents. The timing of the election in late October offers some insight into what a national sample of citizens is thinking. The National Mock Election is scheduled for Oct. 30 and educators are offered several levels at which they can involve their students (and parents). Check the web site for elections instructions and curriculum suggestions for those wanting to do more.
This additional recommendation from Cindy – a post on election education from the Infinite Thinking Machine.