How do we talk about issues that matter?

Talking about issues that matter, especially in a classroom setting, can be difficult as well as controversial. Oftentimes, you will find that teachers do not talk about issues that truly matter, simply because it makes them or their students uncomfortable. Although it could make situations in the classroom difficult or awkward, it is so important for teachers to inform their students on issues that matter, especially in today's world. Young children must be informed on what is going on in the world in order for there to be any type of change. These kids are the future, and without knowledge of the issues in the world, they will never be able to influence any type of change for the better. 

Although bringing up issues that matter in the classroom can be awkward and uncomfortable for everyone involved, there are ways that it can be done without causing any problems. Firstly, it is important for the teacher to set the tone of respect in the classroom. All students must respect their own views as well as everyone else's views and opinions. This is important so that conversations about issues that matter do not end up turning into arguments. Also, it is important for the teacher to bring up issues that matter by telling the truth and nothing but the truth. When teachers try to shelter certain stories to make them sound not as bad as they actually are, students will not get the full story and will not be inclined to want to change anything. 

Classroom Discussion | MiddleWeb


Comments

  1. Angelica HernandezSeptember 21, 2022 at 4:40 PM


    Hi McKinley! I completely agree that to start a conversation about issues that matter the first thing that has to be done is set a tone of respect. I think that helps establish a sense of safety, meaning that it is safe to express your opinion. Also, I liked how you mentioned that it is crucial to talk about these things by ”telling the truth and nothing but the truth.” When talking to students, sometimes it can be challenging to leave out our personal opinion, but in some cases it is necessary so that the information we spread is accurate and not biased. I definitely think things need to be talked about, peoples stories and experiences need to be told even when they make us feel uncomfortable. Learning and shining light on issues that matter should always be encouraged and I think that’s absolutely possible to do in the classroom as long as we create a place where people not only feel comfortable sharing, but are willing to listen to what others have to say.

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    1. McKinley HopkinsSeptember 22, 2022 at 2:05 PM

      Hi Angelica! Thank you for your comment. You bring up a great point about how it can be challenging to leave out your own opinion when discussing issues that matter with your students. I completely agree with that, but as you said, it is important for us as teachers to leave our personal opinion out of it so that we are giving our students unbiased information.

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  2. Johanna DuncanSeptember 21, 2022 at 5:24 PM

    Hi Mckinley,
    I completely agree with your blog! Talking with students about topics or issues that are difficult and potentially controversial is never an easy path to take but is extremely important for kids both in and out of the classroom. What you said about how without knowledge the students won’t be able to influence change stuck out to me the most. After reading the material “Fostering Civil Discourse” it talked about how opening difficult conversations like this “humanizes” us and the world, which I find so prevalent to the point you made. Society has become so divided recently, with differing views sheltering their children from the other side. Do you think that there may be some cases where it is actually needed to shelter certain things from your students out of respect for the parents and families? Because respect goes a long way and as a teacher it can be a difficult boundary to follow in the sense of going too far in parenting the students in your class.

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    Replies
    1. McKinley HopkinsSeptember 22, 2022 at 2:08 PM

      Hi Johanna! To answer your question, I think it is up to the teacher's best judgement. I feel like another thing that goes into it would be the age of the children. For example, if an issue being discussed in the classroom involves violence, it might not be a great thing to discuss with a kindergarten classroom, but may be more appropriate for a middle school classroom. I agree that this is a hard boundary to follow and every teacher has different views on it. Thanks for your comment!

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  3. Julia GillSeptember 23, 2022 at 2:47 PM

    Hey Mckinley! I firstly want to say how I admired how you mentioned how respect is not a one-way street in a classroom. Not only do the students need to respect the teacher, but it is so important for the teacher to respect each and every student. And for every student to respect each other. I feel like a lot of teachers forget to respect students the same way they are getting respected. I also like how you mentioned it is important to start talking about issues and "uncomfortable" topics at a young age, so they are able to grow up and have the knowledge they need in order for the change that needs to happen. It is important for the teachers to not hide or “shelter” the students from the truth of the issue. Nothing is more important in that type of conversation than to be communicating the truth. How is one suppose to make a change to an issue that is occurring if one does not know the complete truth?

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