I would like to welcome everyone who is visiting this blog! Technology in Action will be a venue for the community of teachers taking part in Walden University's Bridging Learning, Theory, Instruction, and Technology class. Please know that anyone and everyone who happens upon this blog is welcome to post comments, ask questions, and share opinions.
As I teach my students, one must be willing try to keep an open-mind when exploring others' perspectives, opinions, and beliefs. John Stuart Mill believed that in order for a person to truly understand his/her thoughts and beliefs, it is imperative that people look at the issue from all angles even if someone adamantly disagrees with the opposing viewpoints. At times this is a great challenge, but as a teacher, I try my best to understand and educate my students using Mill's philosophy (Mill, 1999).
In addition, I also ask my students to share opinions through class discussion, essays, group work, etc. When sharing personal opinions or ideas I push the students' thinking a step further when I ask the question, "Why do you think this," or "What information do you have to backup your ideas?" Just as Mill challenges individuals to explore diverse perspectives, he also voices the importance of providing substantiated evidence to support one's reasoning (Mill, 1999). It is at this point, that my students are forced to step into a new realm of understanding and synthesizing. When students are willing to accept the challenge I have presented, I am always amazed at what discovers are made.
I would like to invite you to take part in the searching and sharing of diverse perspectives in the weeks to come. Prepare to have your brains stretched to new limits! Thank you for taking part in this endeavor.
Courtney Clausen
Social Studies Teacher (9-12)
Mill, John Stuart. (1999). On Liberty. Retrieved from www.bartleby.com/130/ 1999. (Original work published 1869)
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