Avoiding Discussion of Controversial Public Issues in Israeli Civics Teacher Education Programs

• In Event: 31.092 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Three - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 31.092-4 - Contentious Discussions in Contentious Times

Abstract

Several studies surrounding the topic of discussion of controversial public issues (CPI) point to the phenomenon of avoiding such discussions and teacher self-censorship. This study wished to expand this debate by exploring this phenomenon in the context of civics teacher education. Based on interviews with 10 Israeli civics teacher-educators, the main finding points to a gap between the statements presented by the participants when asked directly about the discussion of CPI, and their reflections on the main competencies taught as part of their courses, highlighting how the teaching of such competencies helped them avoid, rather than deal with, CPI. Based on these findings, the role of discussion as an educational goal, and not just a pedagogical method, will be argued.

Author

• Aviv Cohen, Hebrew University of Jerusalem