There are folks who blame educators for some of the ideas their kids pick up. Most of us might have thought that this was the goal, but the reaction seems to change when ideas are spun in different directions by politicians. The typical complaint is that educators, at least educators in higher ed, are filling learners’ heads with liberal ideas. There must be some situations in which conservatives are similarly targeted, but I just don’t see these complaints.
This issue gets to the point that some politicians want to legislate the perspectives that can be shared with students.
I guess I would need to be shown specific situations before I would become concerned. To me, many topics of political interest are of interest because the issues are controversial. Reasonable controversy results from different positions that should have some basis in fact or at least logic and the examination of such differences of opinion offer great opportunity to develop critical thinking.
Argumentation is a great way to develop critical thinking and to make important topics meaningful. Argumentation should not be confused with yelling louder or repeating a position without offering evidence or making the effort to understand the position taken and the evidence offered by others. Too often, consideration of reasons and associated evidence is what is lacking.
Climate change makes a great example. The physics and chemistry of climate change are certainly relevant. The willingness of some to reject the consensus of the vast proportion of scientists great opportunities to study the psychology and sociology of human behavior. Of course, there is the economic angle and even the political (civics) perspective.
We are presently involved in a government shut down. A great topic for teaching about the government and the checks and balances of the different branches. Who controls the money? What can be done when branches disagree (the executive and the legislative)? What pressures are brought to bear when the different branches act in ways that conflict? So many opportunities for analysis, position taking, reasons, and justification.
I am a fan of Newsela. The company offers learners examples of high-interest current event content with related tools for learning. When school districts look to invest in online resources that can be used in many areas, Newsela is great example of both content appropriate to many disciplines and integrated learning tools. Of course, Newsela also offers the content it provides at multiple reading levels which is a feature educators cannot really duplicate when attempting to find free online content for their students.
I happen to see today that Newsela is featuring a story on the situation in National Parks resulting from the lack of paid staff. Too political? I guess this depends on how you think kids respond to the facts (and other stuff) on the ground.