Coffee House Politics Provides Unique Opportunity for American Government

-
Nathan Riek's AP American Government class had a very unique final exam this semester. They hosted a "Coffee House Politics" chat wherein members of the community were invited to participate in a conversation on popular political topics with students. Each class was divided into groups that consisted of several students and several community adults. They were given a bowl that contained questions and students drew randomly to choose a topic to engage discussion. Students were directed to use active listening techniques.


Superintendent Clarence Garner, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Alward, School Board Members, GBTPD Chief Wiles, Genesee County Republican Party Chairman, Koen Driesen, a representative from Debbie Stabenow's office, an NRA representative and many other leaders, teachers, business owners, and parents with widely varying political affiliations and opinions participated throughout the day. Discussions took place in the Flex Lab at High School West.


The reinvented AP American Government course was designed by Riek with the guidance of Matinga Ragatz, an independent Educational Consultant working with staff at Grand Blanc Community Schools to modernize teaching and education at Grand Blanc Community Schools.

[Matinga Ragatz photo taken from matinga.com]


The questions derived from the content of the course over the semester:
Unit 1 - House Divided - Media
Unit 2 - Lack of Political Participation
Unit 3 - Gun Violence
Unit 4 - Climate Change


Some questions were tough, but the students demonstrated open-mindedness and patience as they listened to different viewpoints and communicated their own opinions. Riek said, "They seemed to really enjoy it and thought it was very worthwhile. Overall a very valuable experience even though there were some difficult/tense moments at times."

Example questions that might've been on the slips of paper in the bowls:
  • "Some say that the U.S. is correct in breaking away from the Paris Climate agreement. How would you respond to them?"
  • "What are effective ways to limit mass shootings?"

The purpose of this new take on the study of American Government, Riek says in the outline of the discussion, aims to help students find common ground in solving major problems facing our nation with skills developed in the course.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Official Ribbon-cutting Scheduled for Remodeled Gym at Grand Blanc High School

-
Image
Turf pieces that now fit together on the west campus gym floor. The remodeled gym in the west campus building of Grand Blanc High School will officially be opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10 at 3:30pm . The near 10,000 sq. ft. gym was underutilized as it stood and now allows for teams, clubs and physical education classes to practice and train indoors in inclement weather. The project was identified as part of the Strategic Plan, which calls for underused areas of school buildings to be repurposed. The Grand Blanc Athletic Foundation (GBAF) and the Sinking Fund funded the project. In the past, athletic teams have had to rent space in off-campus facilities in the winter and spring. GBHS Athletic Director & Asst. Principal, Jerrod Dohm stated, “The facility will save our sports programs and booster clubs thousands of dollars in rental fees.” The gym was completed last month and has already been a popular place for spring practices. “The turf material was purchase
Read more

Senior Exit Interviews at GBHS

-
Image
The panel will choose only two Grand Blanc High School seniors to receive a scholarship based on this semester's Exit Interview participants, and they have a very tough job. Each semester, Seniors at Grand Blanc High School create "Exit Interviews" - it is a requirement of graduation that they typically produce and present in their English class - but some opt to also share their presentation with a panel of professionals. This serves to create another venue for students to expose their plans to objective influence, practice their presentation and communication skills, and it could also bring them a scholarship to help with their higher education goals. Grand Blanc Administrators often stop in to observe sessions, and the morning brought in Principal Fray, Superintendent Garner, Asst. Principal Goetzinger, GB Board of Ed Trustee Yasmeen Youngs, and CTE Director Janet Roberts, just to name a few. Career Resource Center Program Assistant & EDP Specialist, Shenethea Mang
Read more

Junior Interview Expo at GBHS

-
Image
Over 550 students interviewed adults in various occupations in the day-long Junior Interview Expo. Volunteers from law enforcement, health, communications, business, engineering and more were waiting to answer students' thoughtful questions in interviews. The meetings were scheduled by GBHS Career & Technical Education (CTE) staff. Various colleges and universities were set up to answer questions, as well. What a wonderful learning experience for high school juniors as they plan for their post-high school futures. The interview process is a requirement for graduation at Grand Blanc High School.
Read more