Suggestion 6. Use student opinion to create a microcosm of current issues

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Discuss points of view other than your own

• Invite students to share their views on controversial topics

  YOU MAY WITH TO CONSIDER:

  Using student opinions to create a microcosm of society's attitudes on social, political and economic issues.

  At the beginning of a term, a professor of economics gives students a questionnaire in which they are asked to agree or disagree with a series of controversial statements on the functioning of the economy. "Because the introductory course is so large (over 800 students), it is impossible to invite discussion even though many students enter the course with strong views about such matters as the causes and cures of inflation," he explains.

  "As a substitute for discussion, I use the survey results to introduce a variety of student viewpoints. Throughout the semester I reveal selected results from the survey as these relate to new concepts or issues covered in reading and lectures. This technique gives the students a sense of personal involvement in the subject matter. At the same time, the use of student data allows me to introduce most of the views currently reflected in the society as a whole."

  Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  
    Discipline:  Subjects with opposing views
  Course Level:  None
   Course Size:  Above 25 to provide a range of opinion
          Mode:  Lecture
  

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

Next suggestion