Best of ESD: Guiding Productive Political Discussions, with Diana Hess (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

What do students learn when they discuss controversial political issues? What are the benefits and limitations? How can teachers guide these discussions and maintain a positive classroom environment? In this episode - published originally in late 2020, renowned social studies education scholar Diana Hess explores these questions, drawing on her two decades of research in classrooms. Hess is professor and dean at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education and has written two award-winning books about how young people can learn about and productively discuss controversial political issues.

In this episode, she describes her major research findings and what they mean for teachers, and she also considers how educators should help students understand some challenging current issues, such as claims of widespread voter fraud and Donald Trump’s refusal to concede or facilitate a smooth presidential transition.

Episode Resources:

Article on Diana Hess

The Political Classroom, by Diana Hess and Paula McAvoy

Videos of Teaching Discussion Skills (by CERG)

Structured Academic Controversy Discussion Model

Brett Levy's Article Featuring a Structured Academic Controversy


Other ESD Resources:

Brett Levy's Other Open-Access Research Articles

ESD Episode on Teaching the Capitol Riot

ESD Episode on Teaching Elections & Political Tolerance