Are politics at all part of the curriculum, or should classrooms be safe places from relentless political battles? Should teachers use contentious issues as tools for instruction and, if so, teach what? There is also a very sticky matter. Should instructors communicate their views and opinions with students?
Often there also seems to be a misconception that schools should be controversial kind of. It should be considered with students taking up topics that are political and not too political. Most universities now ease the organizing political campaigns.
The sole reason for this is that they expect students will learn about something that everyone thinks should be agreed on — for example, gender inequality and the adverse effects of smoking. Universities try to involve their students in politics to make students active in the social process.
They usually select issues having multiple and competing views, so they do not allow students to hold only one look. Instead, they enable students to critically analyze the problems and justify, which is the best opinion.
People think that politics is not necessary for college students to involve. But, according to the researchers, talking politics is essential in classrooms because students will gain the ability to learn about society through peer discussions.
They also say that if it is determined at school, it’d be fantastic as these are good moments in which you give together such a group of students who make up their political opinions. They can indeed learn to take part in their disparities and begin to see that political struggle is a natural part of democratic life.
Teachers also teach students about some common political issues of the world, such as immigration and homosexual marriages. The “political classroom” is a laboratory where teenagers train to focus on political matters. It’s the contemplation method that is the best skill to be educated. And instead, students will learn about the problems by consideration.
They will know how to reason, how to assess facts. There is also the material of social studies that is being taught in a framework that is equal at its core.
If you have moved abroad to get a higher education, you will have to take part in the political discussions in the class as an active student. You might have to do assignments (often written) on how to address specific political issues and make suggestions for better insights.
Also, you might have to engage in class politics, including campaigns and discussions. Below are a few tips on how you can actively and smartly engage in class politics effectively.
1. Be Smart
You can’t ignore class politics because you are not interested. The educational system of most developed countries such as the USA and the UK consider politics as a skill that students should master during their university life.
You have to have considerable knowledge of the most popular and addressable political issues of the country you are studying currently. For example, most Asian students are not aware of the effects of same-sex marriages. But, you cannot then drop the topic off.
Do your researches about the history of this issue, how the government has acted so far and for the competing opinions exist of the item. You can even widen your research about how other countries having the same problem have addressed the issue differently.
You can find ways of researching and collecting information. Your new ideas and new information you have found might impress your friends!
2. Be Updated Every Time
Watch the television and read newspapers as much as possible. You are new to the country and the new environment. Thus, it would help if you were updated with every possible information about politics and other daily incidents of your host country. This will help you to take part in the class discussions about politics always with updated knowledge.
3. Respect Culture
The eastern and western cultures significantly differ without any doubt. Addressing political issues sometimes aligns with social norms as well. For example, same-sex marriages and immigration issues.
How different nations consider and discuss the same issue varies. The native people of a particular country have their own opinions about that problem. For example, most Asian countries do not accept homosexual marriages, both legally and socially.
But when you live in another country which has positive opinions about the same issue and when you hold conflicting ideas on it, it is a wise decision to respect others’ views too. If you are finding it difficult to involve in a discussion, do not hurt or disrespect others’ opinions. Just keep a pause for the debate. Explain your concepts rationally.
4. Smart Communication
Communication is an essential skill that you should practice to perform well in class politics. Most of the discussions are verbal sessions. Thus, it would help if you had a proper way of expressing your ideas.
Always respect others, listen to others, and do not be aggressive at opposing views. Use body language effectively and speak clearly. Critical discussions continuously improve your knowledge, so make your way of organizing your thoughts properly. A proper speech always keeps others active.
5. Be Open-Minded
You might have your ideas when addressing specific political issues. But be open to accept and praise new and better ideas than yours instead of rejecting them. Do not let the same opinion holds you back.
The goal of classroom politics is to teach you how to think critically and do teamwork. So don’t let this chance go in vain. Try to learn new things from others every time a discussion is initiated in the class. Always remember that the youth must enter politics, but only considering it as a public service & not for the sake of powers.
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