Coffee House Politics Provides Unique Opportunity for American Government

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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.


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