I like having my students debate, because even though they may believe strongly in one specific side of a topic, a debate helps them see why others might disagree with them, and also helps them distinguish strong arguments from weaker ones. Debating gives students a chance to be creative and engage in problem-solving, two skills that are essential in the workplace and in every day life.
In this post, I will present three different arguments, each with two sides. Although the purpose of this blog is to present my own personal beliefs, I do realize that there are many sides to each position (as we should teach our students to acknowledge). I do not usually illustrate both sides when I write (which is my right), but I am taking this opportunity to do just that, since there has been much from both sides recently in The Answer Sheet (which I am finally caught up on), my favorite column in the Washington Post. So, without further ado, and without any commentary whatsoever, I present the following.
Argument 1: Common Core Standards
Point: Principal Jayne Ellspermann of Florida lauds the idea that the CCSS provides the same standards for all students, regardless of where they go to school.
Counter-Point: Principal Carol Burris of New York argues that the Common Core Standards are more harmful than helpful.
Argument 2: The Importance of Shakespeare
Point: Dana Dusbiber argues that she doesn't want to teach Shakespeare to her English classes, so she shouldn't have to.
Counter-Point: Matthew Truesdale argues why teaching Shakespeare in today's modern world is essential.
Argument 3: Technology Use in Classrooms
Point: In Business Insider, Peter Jacobs states that technology is good for the classroom, especially for children in poor countries.
Counter-Point: Kentaro Toyama states that technology is not a panacea for poor schools; it in fact may make them worse.
This last pair of arguments is especially interesting to me, as I have always tried to integrate technology into the classroom, since that's the direction in which the world appears to be going, considering how popular MOOCs and other online platforms are now.
I will also be starting a new job next week that relies entirely on Distance Learning. So let's see what happens in my new adventures!
