Gretchen Ronnevik, an experienced educator in classical writing and formal rhetoric, shares fascinating insights on teaching controversial topics. She emphasizes the importance of representing opposing views accurately to foster constructive dialogue. The discussion navigates the complexities of neutral political education, the necessity of exploring diverse economic theories, and challenges in teaching sensitive science topics like evolution. Ronnevik advocates for creating safe spaces for open dialogue, encouraging students to engage with differing perspectives while forming their own beliefs.
Addressing controversial topics requires presenting opposing arguments accurately to foster persuasion and avoid misrepresentation.
Homeschooling offers unique challenges and opportunities for teaching children to explore differing beliefs beyond their parents' values.
Being aware of ideological biases in educational resources is crucial for providing a balanced view of economic theories and fostering critical thinking.
Deep dives
Introduction to Education Hot Takes
The podcast introduces a new season focused on education hot takes, highlighting the passionate opinions within the field of education. The hosts emphasize the importance of discussing controversial topics, especially in a landscape where social media algorithms often curate information to fit individual biases. This season aims to encourage conversations about differing viewpoints, underlining the necessity of engaging with those who may hold opposing beliefs. The hosts also invite listeners to share their responses and hot takes on the topics covered in upcoming episodes.
Teaching Controversial Topics in Homeschooling
The conversation shifts to how homeschoolers can approach teaching controversial topics, emphasizing the necessity of exposing children to ideas they may personally disagree with. Homeschooling often allows parents to curate their children's learning environments, but educators must balance this with their responsibility to provide a well-rounded education. The hosts discuss the dynamics of teaching in a home setting, where educators are also parents, and the challenges this dual role presents in fostering open discussions about differing beliefs. Encouraging children to question ideas rather than merely adopting parental beliefs is presented as essential for their intellectual development.
Navigating Political Discussions
As children mature, they begin to form their own opinions that may differ from their parents, particularly regarding politics and governance. The hosts note the importance of encouraging children to explore and express their beliefs, even if those beliefs diverge from family values. They highlight the potential pitfalls for parents if they react negatively to their children's differing opinions, advocating instead for respectful dialogue that allows children to articulate their own identities. This approach helps to cultivate an environment of understanding and respect, promoting critical thinking and healthy debate.
The Complexity of Economics Education
The discussion extends into the teaching of economics, revealing the ideological slants that can permeate educational resources. The hosts identify different economic theories, such as free market and Keynesian economics, and stress the need for parents to be aware of the biases present in curricula. They advise approaching economic education with an awareness of these perspectives, encouraging the selection of neutral resources that present various theories. This comprehensive approach allows students to engage with differing views, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter and its implications.
Embracing Diverse Worldviews in Homeschooling Co-ops
The final segment discusses the challenges and benefits of homeschooling within diverse communities where families may hold differing worldviews. The hosts stress the importance of being open to learning from family dynamics that differ from one's own, asserting that exposure to a variety of perspectives can enhance children's development. They caution against creating an environment where only like-minded families interact, as this could lead to children feeling stifled or unable to form their own identities. By embracing diversity, families can foster healthier discussions and learning opportunities that explore various ways of being and thinking.
“When I taught classical writing to teens, there's an element to formal rhetoric called "refutation" where you address the arguments opposed to your thesis. In refutation, it's important to present the arguments of your opponents in a way that they would feel well represented, so that you can talk about where they are wrong in their argument, point by point, instead of resorting to ad hominem attacks, or misrepresentation. In classical rhetoric, ad hominem attacks, and twisting the words of your opponent where they would say "but that's not what I said, nor how I meant it," is actually the weakest way to refute their arguments. It shows that you don't have a good case against their issue, so you resort to theatrics and distractions instead. The reason that you want your opponents to agree with your representation of them is that you are seeking to win them over and persuade them. If they feel they have been misrepresented, they will never be persuaded, they will just continue to clarify again and again, until they realize you have no intention of actually hearing them.”
Uncle Eric Books: We mention using these books to explain the Libertarian or Free Market view of economics
Tuttle Twins: We mention this as an example of an economics/government program for kids that has a stated Libertarian slant
Older students should read the strongest arguments for each major economic theory and/or the source material, like The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith for Free Market Economics or The General Theory of Employment by John Maynard Keynes for Keynesian economics.
Resources for looking for rhetoric stage economics courses (let us know your comments about potential slants!):
Great Courses (a lot of course options, check the syllabus to see if the course you’re interested in covers multiple economic theories)
Biologos website: Susan mentions this website in the context of teaching theology and science.
Extremely American Podcast: Susan mentions this podcast when positing that there is a link between creationism and Christian Nationalist political ideas. This episode specifically tackles that link.
Corrections:
At 31:10 Susan mentions the "Institution of Creationism Research," it should be "Institute of Creation Research."
(00:00) - Season of Hot Takes Intro
(01:15) - Episode Intro
(01:28) - Teaching controversial topics
(03:31) - "I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It"
(04:31) - US Government & Politics | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(07:21) - How to make space for terrifying questions
(13:50) - US Government & Politics | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(22:25) - Economics | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(30:26) - Break
(32:03) - Science | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(41:04) - Reading | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(46:20) - How to teach in a community with diverse values
(53:18) - Outro
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