This Lilly Teaching seminar was put on by the Office of Faculty & Organizational Development at MSU. The following are my notes from the seminar.
Introduction to Constructive Controversy: The Art of Arguing to Enhance Learning
by Dr. Karl A. Smith
April 11, 2013 at Michigan State University
Controversy occurs when one person’s ideas, information, conclusions, theories, or opinions are incompatible with those of another. When the two seek to reach an agreement and have willingness to compromise- then we have a situation where the two can learn from each other. This is constructive controversy, and it is a method that can be used in the classroom to help teach critical thinking skills.
The Process:
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Achievements in the classroom using this method: |
This activity requires civility, meaning the process won’t work well without it. Only with civility, new and creative solutions to problems can be achieved. If you use this in the classroom, it’s a good idea to set some rules so everyone can be civil. |
The Rules:
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