Throughout high school, I had one history teacher three times. She tended to hold very debate-heavy classes where you would have to argue an opinion. While there were times she assigned your side or whatnot you still had to argue for the most part controversial topics. However, she always ensured she remained neutral. I think that is the key to teaching controversial topics. I think it is most beneficial to provide balance. Finding enough material for and against different topics and to remain as unbiased as possible. While you may have an opinion one way or another it is important to ensure that you allow students to think for themselves. While you may not agree with what they think if they can provide a logical reason to back up their stance then their opinion is valid. I think the denial approach does not benefit any students. High school is formative for many young people and by not helping them to learn how to talk to others or learn about controversial topics you can be doing many a disservice. I also think it is unfair to push a specific point of view. Because often times peoples opinions and political affiliations stem from what they hear at home, how they were raised, and their personal morals. The approach I most agree with is balanced. I think it allows for open and healthy conversation and is a learning moment. Heavy and controversial topics are bound to come up, allowing a healthy and open space were students feel they are welcomed to share is the ideal situation.
Debate-heavy classes can be positive for the students, but it all depends on the teacher. How they have constructed their environment and relationships has an astronomical impact on how the discussion goes. Knowing the topic is also important for the teacher. Overall, I think you did a good job with relating it back to your experience, and great job explaining.
As I’ve grown up I have found that I am an individual who tends to feel tense or apathetic toward debates and politics, the main reason for this being that I have only witnessed debates in an argumentative or heated method. From your discussion on the article, I definitely agree that it is good for students to practice conveying their ideas and opinions from different sides so that they can effectively do so once they are more acquainted with the political and economical world.
Your input on what method you think works best is nice to see, reflecting on how you can incorporate it into your future classrooms will hopefully help you to include debate/discussion assignments into your curriculum.
Debate heavy classes are great! Although, with these types of classes there needs to be some sort of ground rules set, otherwise, things could go from a debate to an argument very quickly.