Turning Up the Heat: Classroom Discussion of Elections in an Era of Political Polarization—How Teachers and Students Respond

• In Event: 73.061 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 73.061-7 - Teaching About Politics and Controversial Political Issues in Social Studies Education

Abstract

This paper reports preliminary findings of a study investigating the impact that political polarization has on discussing controversial issues in Social Studies classrooms during a hotly contested election. Political polarization increases the risk and intensity of classroom discussions. Intense discussions increase participation and interest among students, but carry the risk of alienating students and parents when a controversial election topic is brought up in class during a politically polarized election. Students enjoy intense discussions but will not participate if the risk of alienating teachers, friends, or parents is too high. Risk is reduced when discussion norms are identified and enforced by the teacher, increasing trust among students that controversial topics are acceptable and safe for discussion.

Author

• Ann Herrera Ward, Carroll U niversity