Using Clickers to Help Facilitate Controversial Topics in the Classroom

One great way to use clickers in the classroom is to help facilitate discussion around controversial issues.   What are your students' opinions on such topics as drug and alcohol use, government services, taxes, same-sex marriage, abortion, etc?   Is it difficult to get students to speak up around controversial issues?  A simple technology tool--the clicker--can be used to help poll students on these and other subjects and stimulate class discussion.  Clickers allow for students to participate and answer such questions without necessarily feeling vulnerable and exposed for their beliefs.  This can also help build trust and designate the classroom as a safe space to have good discussions on such topics, allowing for more meaningful conversations.

Here are a few good websites on strategies for using clickers on controversial topics, if you're interested in knowing more:

• Clickers facilitate discussion on controversial topics:  http://pennwic.wordpress.com/2007/06/01/clickers-facilitate-discussion-on-controversial-topics/
• Clicker Teaching Strategies:  https://wikis.pepperdine.edu/display/GSBME/Clicker+Teaching+Strategies
• Teaching with Clickers : Types of Activities:  http://www.crlt.umich.edu/inst/clickeractivities

If you've been grappling with the idea of using clickers here at North Shore, please contact me at dhoule@northshore.edu.

We're just a "click" away! (sorry couldn't resist)