International Journal of Progressive Education
ISSN (Print): 2834-7919 - ISSN (Online): 1554-5210

Original article    |    Open Access
International Journal of Progressive Education 2011, Vol. 7(3) 6-26

Discussing Ethical Issues in the Classroom: Leveraging Pedagogical  Moments That May Otherwise Undermine Important   Discussions

Douglas J. Simpson, & William J. Hull, Jr.

pp. 6 - 26

Publish Date: October 15, 2011  |   Number of Views: 355  |  Number of Download: 634

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Abstract

The authors identify, examine, and clarify three kinds of  hindrances  (dismissive/evasive tactics, logical stoppers, and ad hominem arguments) to teaching about ethical issues in P-12 schools. In discussing these three types of obstacles, they stress that the barriers themselves provide both challenges and opportunities for teachers. Indeed, they argue that properly understood and utilized the pedagogical impediments to open, educative discussions can be leveraged into superb learning experiences. The authors provide  illustrations  of how questions  may inhibit  teaching as well as examples of how teachers may turn them into opportunities for productive educational discussions. In addition, the authors emphasize the importance of teachers being prepared to discuss ethical controversies in teacher preparation programs and through professional development activities and, in turn, preparing for and guiding students to discuss controversial ethical issues. Embedded in their arguments is the claim that a democratic society is partially dependent on teachers for the critique and expansion of democratic values and processes and that educators need to support one another as well as be supported by others in their districts and communities as they pursue their educational  responsibilities.

Keywords: Associate at Jenkins, Wagnon, and Young, Lubbock, Texas USA

How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Simpson, D.J., Hull, W.J., & Jr., (2011). Discussing Ethical Issues in the Classroom: Leveraging Pedagogical  Moments That May Otherwise Undermine Important   Discussions. International Journal of Progressive Education, 7(3), 6-26.

Harvard
Simpson, D., Hull, W. and Jr., (2011). Discussing Ethical Issues in the Classroom: Leveraging Pedagogical  Moments That May Otherwise Undermine Important   Discussions. International Journal of Progressive Education, 7(3), pp. 6-26.

Chicago 16th edition
Simpson, Douglas J., William J. Hull and Jr. (2011). "Discussing Ethical Issues in the Classroom: Leveraging Pedagogical  Moments That May Otherwise Undermine Important   Discussions". International Journal of Progressive Education 7 (3):6-26.

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