Philosophical Chairs The Theory Behind It For effective

Philosophical Chairs

The Theory Behind It • For effective learning to occur, students must become explicitly aware of their own (mis) conceptions about a particular topic. • Student "errors" should be illuminated rather than avoided and "contradictions" explored rather than ignored. • Students can resolve cognitive dissonance brought about by exposure to alternative perspectives or errors in thinking.

How It Works • As they enter class, hand students an article to read on a controversial topic.

How It Works • The topic should elicit a mixed response. • Some people agree whole-heartedly while others vehemently disagree with the premise for many reasons. • Still others will reserve judgment until or unless they hear something to persuade them one way or the other.

How It Works • Inform students that they will have a chance to argue the merits of the topic and will be seated according to their views. – Sitting on one side of two rows of facing chairs indicates one's total support of the topic. – Sitting at the other side signals a student’s total disagreement. – Students who have undecided views or have questions to ask sit behind or at the end of the two rows

How It Works The Moderator • Job is to insure everyone gets a chance to speak. • May be the teacher or a student. • They should allow participants to address a statement made by a particular person • Be careful that the "pros, " "cons, " and "questions" are equally represented • Make sure the discussion is not dominated by a few eager students.

How It Works • Students are able to move about the room during the discussion, similar to a game of musical chairs. • Participants can symbolize their willingness to adopt a different point of view — even if temporarily — by moving in the direction of that view and assuming a new location. • To insure that movement takes place, students can receive "credit” for participation or taking multiple viewpoints.

Ideas To Consider: • Tape the discussion and later have students help analyze parts of the dialogue for evidence of specific reasoning strategies. • Large classes: have a subsection "take the stage" and conduct the discussion while the rest of the class listens, takes notes – Later decides the "pivotal point(s)" which ultimately persuaded them to adopt one perspective over another.

Suggested Rules 1. Be open-minded. Listen to all statements made and consider both sides. 2. Move to the other side if a particular statement or argument seems to sway your thinking. Experience the "other side. " 3. No one acknowledges any move. This is not a team game. 4. Do not raise hands or speak while another person is Rules speaking

Tips • Statement should be written on the board • The mediator must be neutral • When necessary, mediator paraphrases or restates statements for clarification (in an unbiased manner) • Modify the statement or switch topics when discussion becomes stagnant • For closure, allow each student thirty seconds to express an opinion • Assign a writing activity for follow-up

Sample Topics • Movies should not be rated. • All schools should require uniforms. • Couples should not be allowed to have more than two children. • Drug & alcohol treament should be free. • Abortion should/should not be legal. • There is more bad than good in the world. • Women who damage their babies (before birth) should go to prison. • No marriage until you’re both 21.

Tips • Smoking should be illegal. • People should wait until the age of 21 to get married. • Most people on welfare lazy. • Parents should have to pay a fine when their kids skip school. • Everyone would be better off without TV. • Minors should always be tried as adults. • Parents who do not put seatbelts on their children should go to jail.

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