Discussion: Should students be allowed to listen to music in school?
Grade: 9 – 12
Class: US History (Current Event)
Many schools do not allow students to listen to ipods/mp3 players at school (in fact teachers and staff members confiscate them when they see them). This discussion will help students see both sides to the issues and decide for themselves if listing to music in school is a good idea or not.
Activity:
Before class, arrange the desks/tables into a circular pattern (students should be able to see each other during the discussion). When class begins introduce the subject and tell them that we will be having a discussion. Tell the students that the only way this will work is if only 1 person talks at a time. Also tell students that as a teacher your job to going to be to listen, but you will make points if the conversation lulls or if both sides of the issue are not being addressed.
Tell students that before we start the discussion, you need to jot down on a ½ sheet of paper your opinion on this question “should students be allowed to listen to ipods/mp3 players in school?� (This will ensure that everyone has something to say)
Have students discuss for 30 minutes or so depending on the length of your class. Jump in only when things get out of hand or to steer the conversation in another direction.
After the discussion have students write a professional letter to the school principal or other administrator telling them their perspective on the issue as a student. The goal of the letter is to inform, maybe persuade and maybe even bring about change.
If time allows have volunteers read their letters aloud.