Heart of the Matter Podcast: How can teachers help kids understand controversial topics?
Can classrooms be safe spaces to talk about contentious issues?
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Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons in Singapore schools came under public scrutiny recently because of discussions on the Israel-Hamas war. How can contentious issues be discussed in classrooms and what skills do teachers need to navigate children in an increasingly polarised world?
Steven Chia explores this with Dr Thavam Kanagaratnam, master specialist at the CCE branch of the Education Ministry, Philibert Leow, principal of Jurongville Secondary School and clinical psychologist Dr Annabelle Chow.
When we talk about contemporary issues ... it becomes an opportunity to use that as a platform for (students) to learn how to talk to each other in ways that are respectful ... and learn how to agree to disagree.
Whether we like it or not, children are being exposed to views online, (they) are struggling with some of these views. And some are looking to talk about (it). Schools will continue to provide that safe space for children to speak their mind.
If my child comes home and says, this discussion happened, and I don't agree with it, I (would be) curious about how the discussion was held. And if there were opposing views, how was that dealt with? I think that's more important to me as a parent.
Jump to these key moments:
1:17 What is a difficult topic?
5:55 What if teachers have strong views about a topic
9:06 Teachers don’t need to have all the answers
14:23 Is there too much pressure on our educators?
18:42 How can parents be more involved?
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