Controversy in the Classroom: Displacement
In addition to juxtaposing your country with the students’ you can also move the topic outside of the students’ country. There are many topics that are quite taboo in Turkey or that the students are uncomfortable talking about that might be more safely approached from a distance.
The example I will lesson I provided is on sex education. Even though the students may not be comfortable talking about the issue in Turkey (and I think this is an issue almost anybody can be uncomfortable talking about), you can still introduce the topic and then let the students choose how close to home they will bring it. If the students keep the debate rather hypothetical or centered outside their home country, fine. If they want to include their own country in the debate, great. It’s better if it’s up to them. The class will be more comfortable if they can set their own boundaries.
Most classes will probably move the debate to their own country as it’s a natural progression. Give it a shot and see what happens.
Lesson plan: Sex Education for Muslims in Sweden
Related Posts:
Controversy in the Classroom: Juxtapostion
Controversy in the Classroom: Push Your Students
Tags: Classroom Management, Controversy
Classroom Management, Lesson Ideas | turklis1 | 
November 6, 2009 8:56 pm
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By Alex Case, November 7, 2009 @ 7:17 am
Great tip. Desperately trying to find something negative to say for my usual argumentative role, but can only wholeheartedly agree!