History is a course that can lead to many controversial topics. That in itself should not be considered a bad thing. Many teachers probably fear talking about heavier issues with their students due to how the students may react. I don’t feel that they need to do that, especially if its is the high school level students who actually understand more than we give them credit for. For example, in “How Do Teachers’ Political Views Influence Teaching about Controversial Issues” there is plenty of teachers who admitted that they avoided Roe v. Wade entirely.
I don’t feel that ignoring a case as huge as Roe v. Wade helps students in any way. Instead, we should be able to talk about a controversial issue such as abortion. However, I can understand the fear of talking about such a heavy topic. For example, talking about abortion in the classroom could cause an uproar in the community. Some school districts have gone as far as to forbid coverage of topics such as this. However, I disagree with that take. Why shouldn’t we teach the future generation about important topics such as abortion? If anything a history teacher may very well be qualified to talk about this topic with the younger generation.
There is also the argument as to whether teachers should say what their political views are to their students. I personally don’t find anything wrong with it but there may need to be a limit. For example if one were to just constantly talk negatively about the opposite party of theirs, it doesn’t help the student. Giving your criticisms of one and maybe talking about criticisms of your own party can be beneficial to the students.
Talking about both sides in a slightly less controversial manner can lead to the students to have an opinion of their own. Being able to give both sides’ points of view to the students can help them formulate an opinion of their own. If anything I also feel it would push students to participate in a discussion-led class.
All in all, as long as you aren’t pointlessly name-calling the opposite political party from yours I feel it’s okay to talk about your political views. As long as you don’t show complete bias it can even allow students to discuss their viewpoints in the classroom. Also in regard to controversial topics, I feel we should talk about them with students. These students are the future so hiding them from a “scary topic” isn’t going to benefit them any. It is much better to allow the students to be more familiar with many given topics.
I agree with your choice to include that including controversial issues into one’s teaching. The article mentions this with one of the mistakes that it mentions is avoidance. Teachers tend to just avoid these topic out of fear, bias, or various other things. This should not be an encouraged practice.
Your job as a teacher is to educate and teach your student skills. This is why i think it is best that students need to craft their own ideas about these things.I also think it is important that you talk about both sides. That will give them all the tools necessary to make that decision on their own.
When teaching history, it is inevitable that controversial subjects be brought up. In those subjects many interesting and thought-provoking topics are on full display, and by not including them you are robbing your students of a complete understanding of the world. Being uncomfortable with a certain topic is not a good excuse for not teaching said topic. Covering very traumatic and ghastly events like the Holocaust should not be avoided for example. This topic gives us insight into human nature, nationalism, ideological fanaticism, and a whole host of other topics. The issue is that the educator needs to know how to navigate those conversations in order for it not to get out of hand. Before bringing up such a heavy topic, come into it with a plan in order for the lesson to feel more stable and not overwhelming with a very difficult conversation.