How does the use of controversial issues impact the social studies classroom?
When approached correctly, teaching controversial issues in the classroom can help develop students into citizens who will be more likely to deal intelligently and decisively with complex issues (Cook 1984). Osler and Starkey believe it is a responsibility of educators to help students develop a broad understanding of national identity, and that the identity of the United States is experienced differently by different people (2003, p. 252). They add that to be a citizen, individuals need to establish a sense of solidarity with others in their community. Teaching using controversial issues will equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make a difference in their communities (Osler and Starkey 2003, p. 252). Recent observational data from research suggests that few students seriously study controversial issues, and that group discussions appear not to be prominent instructional modes (Hess and Posselt 2002, p. 287). In the 135 observed classes, students simply identified
