The New Immigration Debate

The recent speech by president Obama about his new executive actions on immigration provided a great opportunity to discuss and debate the issue in class this week.  Before diving into the discussion, we started by watching the speech in class, then reviewed the Newsela article "Obama's Immigration Speech, Cheered By Immigrants, Angers Congress."

Beyond having a class discussion about the merits of Obama's immigration plan, I also wanted to have the students debate whether or not the president's proposed executive actions are constitutional.  Since this issue can get incredibly complicated, I created this brief video explaining the key points for each side of the issue.



The class discussions went well and I am very proud that the students stuck to arguments and justifications based more upon facts than feelings.  I understand how emotionally charged the immigration issue can be, so having Freshman students discuss this at such a high level was just awesome.  Feel free to use this video if you think it will help your students as well!

5 Minute Guide to Kahoot

Since last summer, several colleagues have mentioned how much their students enjoy playing "Kahoot."  We educators hear claims about this "great new app" or "awesome new website" daily, so its difficulty to discern the trend-chasing hype from resources that are actually worth-while.  After my wife Michaela (an excellent science teacher at Coventry High School) mentioned how her students love playing review games with this "new site called Kahoot," I knew it was time to check it out.

I gave it a shot a few weeks ago by creating one called "Halloween History."  It went so well, students asked when the next time they could play would be and if Kahoots could replace our existing review game.  In preparation for a recent Civics quiz, I then created this 13 Colonies Challenge.  Long story short, this is a classroom tool that seems poised to stay.

Here is a quick rundown of what Kahoot is and why I like it:

1. Kahoot is a student-response system with built-in game elements.
2. The game elements (ex. pts awarded based upon accuracy & speed, leaderboard...) make it much more fun and engaging for students.  
3. It is very easy to create and set up games.
4. The gameplay is very streamlined and simple to administer in class. (minimal steps, no log-ins, clear visuals...)
5. There is a growing collection of pre-made public Kahoots to choose from.

I have also created this quick "5 Minute Guide to Kahoot" (also embedded below) to help you set up and play in class in no time!

How To Watch Instructional Videos

I recently collaborated with social studies department members Brian Germain and Garrison Rose to create a video providing students with tips for, well, how to watch a video. It seems a bit ironic, but although most students are very experienced watching online videos, they still need some guidance when watching instructional videos.

In general, we provide students with the following four strategies: reduce distractions, take notes, pause & replay, and ask questions.  We then provide a few quick examples of each strategy in action.

You will notice that we tried to keep this video quick, upbeat, and yes a bit goofy. We also tried to use both audio and visual cues to help drive home the major points, including a quick recap at the end.  Feel free to use this video with your students or create your own version tailored to your particular students' needs.  Video linked and embedded below:

How To Watch Instructional Videos

Validity Assessment: Student Tool for Evaluating Online Content

A few weeks ago, I collaborated with social studies department members and our new library media specialist to develop a tool for students to evaluate online content on a regular basis.  Students will complete this Validity Assessment Form throughout the year whenever they rely on an online source for an assignment.  (I also incorporate this with our Current Event Day assignments)

The 5 main criteria include: Accuracy, Authority, Coverage, Timeliness and Design.  

As always, feel free to modify and use as you wish, feedback greatly appreciated! 

Revisiting "Current Events Day"

Like most (if not all) social studies teachers, I find it an essential responsibility to infuse discussion of current events into the curriculum.  As I shifted towards a flipped-mastery system a few years ago, the designated "current events day" took a back seat.  I instead attempted to incorporate these discussions into the daily warm-ups or unit assignments themselves.

After some reflection this fall, I decided that I should bring back class days that are specifically devoted to contemporary issues.  The mastery model takes a breather for this day so that all students can dive into conversations that are specifically relevant to the happenings of today's world. 

I also streamlined students' preparation for these days with this assignment (also embedded below) to help students locate, evaluate, and take positions on these issues.  Their Google Form submissions also help manage our discussion as each student's response and live link to their current event resource is easily available in the responses spreadsheet.  So whether students commented on an article, video, political cartoon, etc., it is easy to project it for the rest of the class to view as we engage in discussion.  (See Screenshot Below)

The first couple "Current Events Days" have gone very well, and this assignment format is preferable for myself, and more importantly, the students.  Although we need to work on effective debate/dialogue techniques during these discussions, students' interest, passion and enthusiasm are palpable.  I couldn't ask for a better starting point for the year....

Assignment form embedded below, feel free to modify and use as you wish.  Feedback also greatly appreciated!