Discussing Controversial Topics in the Technology Classroom: Benefits, Strategies, and Challenges

Using controversial topics for teaching and learning has several benefits identified in the literature. Skills such as applying knowledge to real world applications, critical judgment and evaluation, social and ethical considerations, and oral and written communication are important learning outcomes of this practice. Utilizing several models of teaching and learning, this presentation will present the benefits of discussing controversial topics in the classroom, as well as strategies and challenges of handling these types of discussions with technology students. Disciplines Agriculture | Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering | Engineering Education | Higher Education | Science and Mathematics Education Comments The paper, "Discussing Controversial Topics in the Technology Classroom: Benefits, Strategies, and Challenges" (Gretchen A. Mosher and Chad M. Laux), as published in the Proceedings of the ATMAE 2010 Conference (2010 ATMAE Annual Conference, Panama City Beach, FL, October 27–30, 2010)" is a copyrighted publication of ATMAE, the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, 1390 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 This paper has been republished with the authorization of ATMAE, and may be accessed directly from the ATMAE website at http://atmae.org/index.php/ conference-20#pastconfpaper. This abstract is available at Iowa State University Digital Repository: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/abe_eng_conf/352