With November Election in Sight, Students Learn to Grapple with Controversial Issues Through "Dialogue, Discussion, and Debate"

Portland, ME, May 23, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Walch Education has just released Dialogue, Discussion, and Debate: Social Studies and Dialogue, Discussion, and Debate: Science. The two volumes help middle- and high-school teachers to take advantage of current and historical controversies in social studies and science, bringing the conversation into the classroom.

How can teachers support productive, civil conversations about controversial topics? By providing students with the skills for creating, sharing, and analyzing sound explanations supported by evidence. Each of these books:

• Provides rationale and examples of three types of discourse that support student understanding.
• Offers suggested classroom formats, model lessons, handouts for students, and suggested criteria for assessment.
• Contains 12 detailed plans for dialogue, discussion, and/or debate with identified standards, possible student preconceptions, suggested classroom formats, student handouts, and recommended resources addressing a variety of topics from physical, life, and earth and space science and current events in social studies

Science students explore issues such as: nanotechnology, genetic engineering, evolution vs. creationism, stem cell research, nuclear vs. solar power, mining on the moon, and alternative medicine.

Social studies students explore issues such as: free speech, censorship, assault weapons, performance enhancing drugs, illegal downloads, separation of church and state, hate crime, and immigration.

“These two books are particularly important in 2008, an election year,” notes Walch Education president, Al Noyes. “As the various debates grow more contentious, classrooms across the country will be able to use Dialogue, Discussion, and Debate to frame the issues in ways that make students into more observant and articulate citizens.”

About Walch Education (www.walch.com)
Dialogue, Discussion, and Debate continues Walch Education’s reputation for extending and enhancing learning, with flexible solutions for middle school, high school, and beyond, addressing national and state standards as appropriate. Founded 80 years ago, Walch Education’s accessible and affordable products are developed by experts and an in-house educational team, in partnership with leading schools and districts nationwide.

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