Deb and TIPSters,
I use the same Taking Sides book, but as a supplementary reader in my introductory
psychology course. Yes, I
agree with your concerns, Deb; some of the issues contain a pro or con essay that is
somewhat lacking in
balance and objectivity. But I have used this as an opportunity, one that simulates
what students (and all of
us) encounter in everyday life.
Rarely do we witness a debate that is "perfect" in all aspects, unless it is one that
is staged by an academic
debate club. Thus, I not only use the Taking Sides readings to provide information
about various issues, but
I ask students to critique the structure of the arguments: How credible and current
is the evidence? To what
extent does an author's position conform to what we have identified as the criteria
for critical thinking?
What questions does an author leave unanswered? Can we find those answers in our
introductory psych textbook?
If not, then where could we go to find them?
I am a strong advocate of the educational value of debate. It can be used in so many
ways, to teach so many
skills. I love the Taking Sides series, and I try to incorporate controversial issues
in some format in every
course that I teach. I'd be interested in other TIPSters' experiences here.
Barbara Watters
Mercyhurst College
Erie, PA
Deb Briihl wrote:
>
> For my Senior Seminar course, my students have been using the book Taking
> Sides. However, I have some problems with some of the sections in the book.
> There are a number of debates in which one side is presented using a
> rational, cohesive, research-based paper and then the other side's paper is
> a case study (testimonial) or someone's opinion with little to back up the
> statement or arguments that make little sense (for example, the arguments
> concerning racial differences in intelligence, memories of sexual abuse, is
> schizophrenia a biological disorder, antidepressant drugs effectiveness,
> religious commitment improve mental health). Does anyone have a series of
> papers that present both sides in an appropriate format? I have difficulty
> teaching critical thinking relying on scientific sources if the readings
> are doing what I'm telling them not to do! I'm willing to keep using the
> book if I can find papers to suppliment the sides that are weak.
> Deb
>
> Deborah S. Briihl There are as many
> Dept. of Psychology and Counseling ways to live as
> Valdosta State University there are people in
> Valdosta, GA 31698-0100 this world and each
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] deserve a closer
> Now in new Assoc. size! look..
> http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dbriihl
>
> You got so many dreams you don't know where to put them, so you better turn
> a few of them loose... Fire
