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News of the Week: Exploring, Discussing, and Addressing Current Social Issues

Completed by 22 learners
Ages 12-16
Live Group Class
Students will engage in critical discussions and explorations of societal problems such as racism, sexism, poverty, and discrimination pulled from the news. The class provides a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(160 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week
3-10 learners per class
50 min

What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
1 hour per week. Watch the news, read the paper, and talk to other to learn more about what social issues are happening during the week.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
Welcome to our class on social issues for young people! Each class will be student lead (with guidance from me) and take its lead from the week's news. 

It is essential for students to be informed about current events and social issues, and I believe it is our responsibility to ensure they receive accurate and trustworthy information. I want to assure you that we will use sources from reputable news organizations in this social issues class. We will use sources from respected news organizations such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, MSNBC, CNN, NPR, BBC, and Reuters (among others). I will also be using "Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Fake News" and "True or False: A CIA Analyst's Guide to Spotting Fake News" to help students understand what is real and what is fake news or conspiracy theories.  

I want my students to develop critical thinking skills and better understand the world around them. Some social issues we will discuss include, but are not limited to, climate change, immigration policies, gender equality, racial justice, and income inequality. This course is designed to help students understand the social issues that affect their world today and to empower them to make positive changes in their communities. Young people have a unique perspective on the world, and by learning about and discussing these issues, they can become more informed and engaged citizens.

Throughout history, young people have been pivotal in driving social and political change. From Malala Yousafzai, who fought for girls' education in Pakistan, to Greta Thunberg, who is leading the charge on climate activism, young activists have proven time and time again that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference.

In this class, we will discuss current social issues that affect young people and explore the stories and strategies of young activists worldwide. From organizing protests to using social media to amplify our voices, we will explore how young people can make an impact. We will learn about their successes and challenges and discuss the importance of youth-led movements in creating a better future for us all.

I hope this course will make young people feel more informed, inspired, and empowered in their own life and community. I look forward to learning and growing together as we explore these critical topics. So if you're ready to harness your passion and join the ranks of the world's most inspiring young activists, then this class is for you. Get ready to be inspired, learn, and make a difference!

Learning Goals

In this class, we're going to explore the news from all around the world, as well as from our own local communities. But that's not all! We're also going to dig deeper into how news stories are presented to us. We'll learn about things like "framing" and "bias" – which means how the news can be shaped to tell a certain story in a certain way. We'll talk about why some stories get covered more than others, and we'll learn how to become more aware of what's happening in the larger world around us.

As we do all of this, we'll also work on becoming better-informed citizens. We'll learn how to follow news stories over time, and how to debate and defend our own points of view while also listening to others who might have different opinions. By the end of the class, we'll be better equipped to think critically about the news we read, watch, and hear – and we'll be better able to participate in important conversations about the world we live in.

Other Details

Parental Guidance
In a social issues class for young people, it is important to be aware that some topics may be sensitive or triggering for students. We will be discussing a wide range of issues, including topics such as racism, sexism, discrimination, and inequality, among others. It is important to note that these discussions may involve graphic descriptions or depictions of violence, abuse, or trauma that some students may find distressing. However, we will create a safe and respectful learning environment where students can voice their concerns or discomfort, and we will handle sensitive content with sensitivity and care. Our goal is to encourage open and honest dialogue while also prioritizing the well-being of all students. All discussions will be at an age appropriate level.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
To gain a comprehensive understanding of social issues, I will explore multiple sources of information including news, articles, newspapers, and magazines. These sources offer in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, and varying perspectives on complex issues. By drawing on these diverse sources, I can develop a more nuanced and informed perspective on the world around us. In addition to these sources, I will also seek insights from other people, such as classmates, teachers, or experts in the field, to expand my knowledge and learn from their experiences.

Meet the teacher

Joined April, 2020
4.9
160reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Simmons University
As a teacher who has had the privilege of teaching young people, I have always been passionate about incorporating discussions around social issues into my curriculum. Over the years, I have witnessed the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for my students to engage in meaningful conversations around topics such as racism, sexism, poverty, and discrimination. Through my experiences, I have learned that teaching social issues to young people not only helps them develop critical thinking skills, but also helps to promote empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. I believe that these conversations are crucial in shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation, and I am committed to continuing to create spaces for my students to engage in these discussions.

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