Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Why Should I Listen? As part of my 7th grade Social Studies curriculum, I have to talk about slavery, the civil rights movement, etc. The topic ultimately leads to a discussion of how Whites oppressed Blacks. I try to present these topics in a way that does not suggest any guilt. This year, one of my students had a very bad reaction. When we were talking about the civil rights, John, one of my well-behaved but opinionated students, got up and said that he did not want to listen to this lesson anymore, because all we did was to demonize the White people. Three other students openly agreed with him saying that these topics made them angry. I have to cover these topics because they are a part of my curriculum. Also, I believe in the importance teaching children about these inequalities. However, it seems like the way I teach, which is mainly based on lectures and small group work, is making my White students uncomfortable. What should I do to make sure that my White students do not feel offended by these topics? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) Slavery and the Civil Rights movement bring up sensitive topics which many people feel uncomfortable in discussing. As teachers we need to recognize that students may feel uncomfortable, angry or guilty when discussing these topics. The teacher should hold a discussion introducing the SS content as essential curriculum they are required to learn about and why. Slavery and the Civil Rights Movement are historical events that happened in the past and have greatly shaped the country. However students are the future and therefore, are not personally responsible for discrimination. It is students responsibility to learn why slavery was wrong, how it was stopped and how the Civil Rights Movement worked toward total equality for all people of the nation. By understanding mistakes of the past students will also understand the necessity of creating an equitable culturally diverse society of the future. The teacher should also try incorporating new teaching strategies which will more positively engage the students. I would suggest using web quests that could be small group or individual projects. Many students enjoy technology based research projects which would also allow them to construct their own knowledge. Conducting interviews with family, friends and community leaders on both sides of the issue would be another way for students to construct their own knowledge. Writing a proposal no how they hope to positively impact their communities cultural diversity would be another way to get them involved in positive learning.