Comments on: How Can I Teach High School Students to Reason Like Us?

By: charile

charile — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:02:54 +0000

matt,
you know you like my thoughts. this is why you keep mentioning them. your going hmmm, charlie stated this, he does do somethings well, he has had some success, he did out smart and out think me in little things like fantasy football, hmmmmm maybe he is right.
your smart friend,
charlie

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:16:03 +0000

Hey Court—good points, as always.

That disconnect is indeed something I’ll need to address. In fact, part of the program might involve having students write their representatives reporting what they’ve learned and encouraging them to do the same?

Yep, the same virtues apply to local issues too. One controversial issue on a state level is the income tax. Crops up every year, and brings out the hard-heads on both sides. And on a really local level, perhaps the ethics of nepotism? It’s not clear that officials shouldn’t ever appoint relatives to office, but it is pretty clear that they shouldn’t appoint otherwise unqualified or poorly qualified relatives. (That might be an easy test case to run through.)

Indeed, a guide for exactly HOW to get and stay involved would be a necessary ingredient. For this project though, that might simply mean setting the example when discussing issues with family and friends. Or calling the local news talk shows and and setting the example there too.

Thanks for the offer! You can indeed help. Depending on who backs the project, we’ll iron out the details later.

—Matt—

By: Court

Court — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:39:22 +0000

I like your idea for the project. I am sure I will have some other things to say, once I have mulled some things over. However, here is one thought/comment. In regards to I, II, and maybe V: I think it is important to address the disconnect between the people and the government. Since we live in a republic, our feelings of democratic engagement seem disjointed. In other words, it is difficult for us to engage the system because we elect representatives to make our decisions, and they usually don’t vote in an enlightened, thoughtful way. So, it seems important to teach students about this.

Also, it seems vital that students are taught that political action starts on the local level. It is easy to get caught up in national and international politics, and feel that your efforts are futile. But, if you teach students the dynamics of political engagement, they won’t become disillusioned so easily.

Last, I would suggest creating some sort of guide to political engagement. From my experience with my hippie friends, you always hear: “get involved”, but you never are told how to. So, maybe a guide to getting involved would help? It could include addresses, numbers, and organizations to contact.

Love the project. Let me know if I can help.