COOL in Civil Communication
Overview
When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an opportunity to find common ground and deeper understanding. Teach students to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change.
C-O-O-L
Civil Communication Lesson Plan
Title
C-O-O-L (CALM-OPEN MINDED-ONLY FOCUS ON THE IDEAS-LISTEN ACTIVELY)
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Audience (Age, English Level): 10-14/ A1-A2
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Lesson Plan Overview:
When we talk about our personal beliefs, passion can run high-especially when we are online.These intense moments can lead to tit-for-tat insults or even worse. But if addressed calmly and cooly, they can be the opportunity to find commonground for deeper understanding. The aim is to teach the students to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change.
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Resources Needed:
Blank paper Lesson slides Video: Civil Discourse Online Lesson Quiz | |
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:
* Define civil discourse and identify why it can be challenging on the internet. * Analyze resources to identify the causes and effects of uncivil online discourse. * Learn strategies for civil discourse and apply them to their deeds.
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Warm-Up: (5 minutes)
Ask the students what they think the moral rules for communication should be. Ask the students to make a list of values that make communication easier.
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Time
20´
15´
| Activities/Instructions The Power of Internet1.Ask : People often use the phrase "the power of the internet." What do you think they mean by that? What makes the internet "powerful"? Share with a partner. Invite students to share out. Highlight answers that reference
2.Explain that there can also be challenges to communicating online. Tell students that they are going to watch a short video that features Cameron Kasky, who was a student that survived the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. After the shooting, he became an outspoken advocate for gun reform. In the video, he shares experiences using the power of the internet to communicate his message. Show the video "Civil Discourse Online" and ask students to consider the discussion questions as they watch. You may also want to have them take notes as they watch.
3.Invite students to share out. Highlight the main takeaways:
STAY C-O-O-L
1.Explain that there are strategies that people can use to make sure that their comments and communication remain civil. We're about to watch a video that shows people with different political perspectives coming together to engage in civil discourse. You will see people labeled "blue" or "red" and this refers to their political affiliation as democrat (blue) or republican (red). Show the video "Divided We Fall Trailer" from The National Institute for Civil Discourse and have students listen for specific strategies for civil conversation.
2.Have students share out the strategies they heard in the video. Examples may include:
3.Explain that they can use the acronym C-O-O-L to remember them: Calm. Take a deep breath and relax before engaging. Open-minded. Consider ideas that are different than yours. Only focused on the ideas. Separate your judgments about who people are from what they're saying. Listening actively. Aim to understand the person's ideas, experiences, and emotions.
4.Have students complete the Lesson Quiz. Send home the Family Activity
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Resources: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kcPvJC1Qv6ZYAvecIb7k1ZJOBOOVAqoELAqMqSCybUA/edit?usp=sharing
https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/quiz/we-are-civil-communicators-lesson-quiz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQPdwHsJ25I
Adapted from
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