Panel Discussions – A Gentler Introduction to Debating Social Problems

Abstract

This activity is a group presentation without group work that will take place over the middle segment of the course. It happens in two stages: one where students will create discussion questions for some of your classmates to answer, and one where students will answer questions posed by some of their classmates. Students will be assigned in a number of...

Download this resource to see full details. Download this resource to see full details.

Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assessment, Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Discuss in detail the origins and state of a current social problem.
2. Generate meaningful questions about relevant social issues.
3. Engage with worldviews different than one’s own through earnest discussion.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. "Just In Time" Questions - Students in one group construct questions immediately after lecture that their peers in another group will answer the following class.
2. Response Paper - Students will answer two of the questions posed by their peers in 250-500 words apiece to turn in when they do their panel discussion.
3. Panel Discussion - A group of students will sit in the front of the class and discuss how they answered their peers' questions, with room to further reflect on the topic.