Take a Stand!!

The objective of this lesson is to have a discussion with the class on dealing with issues.

A) Develop a number of discussion questions based on dealing with issues

Where Do You Stand Discussion Questions

1) The death penalty is an effective way of reducing the murder rate in America.

2) An increasing number of Americans are voicing their opposition to abortion.

3) Marijuana has been proven to reduce pain in medical situation and should be legalized for that purpose.

4) Martin Luther King's dream of equality for all Americans is closer to reality than ever before.

5) The American people have less faith in their government than any time since the Watergate affair of the 1970s.

6) The US has a moral responsibility to spread prosperity and democracy to other nations in the world.

7) If I were a parent of a teenager, I would let them watch any TV shows or listen to any CDs that they wanted to.

B) Place a large card in each corner of the room that says one of the following:

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
("I am way down with that!") (I can dig it, sort of...) (I'm not down with that!) (No way Am I down with that!)

C) Have students write their response on scrap paper before physically moving to either corner of the room. This prevents the "herd instinct" from taking over. Then allow them to stand under the card that best fits their opinion.

D) Have students discuss their viewpoints according to where they stood.

This lesson is a cooperative learning strategy. The students are working together discuss issues.