Teach-Ins > Fall 2015

flyer_student teach in #1Student Teach-In -- Homelessness_poster     GMO teach in flyer

Here is a breakdown of this student-led assignment.  The questions in bold remain the same for all teach-ins.  The sub-questions may vary depending on the topic being discussed.  This is the outline for our discussion on the topic of “Homelessness on Maui.”

Student Teach-In #2

Homelessness on Maui

What is a Teach-In?

A “Teach-In” is an extended session, as on a college or university campus, for lectures and discussions on an important, usually controversial issue.

Synopsis

This teach-in was inspired by the History in the Making current events assignment I have implemented in my classes to keep students up-to-date on the happenings occurring around the world.  Through these discussions, students from my three World Civilization courses tackle a pressing local issue facing our island.  I have provided each class with one question that they must research and analyze.

Questions

#1         How did we get here?

  • Provide a detailed explanation of the history behind the issue
  • How long as homelessness been a problem on Maui?
  • Who make up the population of homeless?  Local? Transplants?
  • Has there been a time in Maui when homelessness was not an issue?
  • How can knowing the history help us today with this issue?

#2        Why are we talking about it?

  • When did this increase in homelessness begin?
  • Why is it an issue now?
  • How many people are homeless on Maui?  Families?  Children?
  • Which local groups/organizations are tackling this issue?
  • Has the information been presented to the public in a fair and ethical way?

#3        What needs to be done to resolve it?

  • What can be done in the short term to solve this problem?
  • What can be done in the long term to solve this problem?
  • Who has taken the lead to resolve this issue?
  • What role has government played in helping to solve this issue?
  • How can we spread awareness of this issue?

Some pictures from our second teach-in

“Homelessness on Maui” with Councilman Mike Victorino

MrHistory.org teach in on homelessness on Maui

Our student facilitators are located in the center of the room to insure that everyone else in attendance can hear their comments.  This lends itself to more of a discussion format, rather than lecture atmosphere.

teach-in_2homelessness11-2015

Interested students and teachers were in attendance.  Mahalo to you all!

teach-in_homelessness11-2015

Student Teach-In #3 — GMOs on Maui

What is a Teach-In?

 A “Teach-In” is an extended session, as on a college or university campus, for lectures and discussions on an important, usually controversial issue.

Synopsis

This teach-in was inspired by the “History in the Making” current events assignment I have implemented in my classes to keep students up-to-date on the happenings around the world.  The teach-in allows students from my three World Civilization courses to tackle a pressing local issue facing our island.  I have provided each class with one question that they must research and analyze.

Questions

#1         How did we get here?

  • Provide a detailed explanation of the history behind the issue.
  • What is a GMO?
  • When were GMOs first planted on Maui?
  • How can knowing the history help us today in understanding this issue?

#2        Why are we talking about it?

  • Why are GMOs an issue now?
  • How does this issue affect Maui?
  • Which local groups/organizations are tackling this issue?
  • Has the information been presented to the public in a fair and ethical way?

#3        What needs to be done to resolve it?

  • What can or has been done in the short term to solve this problem?
  • What can be done in the long term to solve this problem?
  • Who has taken the lead to resolve this issue?
  • What role has government played in helping to solve this issue?
  • How can we spread awareness of this issue?

Here are the question assignments:

If you are in the 12-1:15 class you will need to answer Question #2

If you are in the 1:30-2:45 class you will need to answer Question #3

If you are in the 4:30-5:45 class you will need to answer Question #1

Remember:  If you are a facilitator for this teach-in be sure to cover all aspects of this issue (both pros & cons of GMOs).  These discussions will only be as good as the information given during the conversation among the facilitators.  Please talk to me after class tomorrow (12/2) if you have any questions regarding this teach-in.

Here are some links you may want to check out on the GMO issue:

Monsanto Hawaii

Maui GMO Moratorium News

GMO School

Some Pictures from our Student Teach-Ins on GMOs on Maui

Student Facilitators tackled the controversial issue of GMOs on Maui

Student Facilitators tackled the controversial issue of GMOs on Maui

Representatives from Monsanto look on as the student facilitators discuss GMOs on Maui

Representatives from Monsanto look on as the student facilitators discuss GMOs on Maui

It was a full house when we discussed the issue of GMOS

It was a full house when we discussed the issue of GMOS