Teaching Strategy
Barometer: Taking a Stand on Controversial Issues
Structure an active class discussion in which students express their opinions by standing along a continuum.
Subject
- Advisory
- Civics & Citizenship
- English & Language Arts
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12Language
English — USAvailable in
Published
Overview
Teaching Strategies
Use our student-centered teaching strategies to strengthen your students’ literacy skills, nurture critical thinking, and build a respectful and collaborative classroom community. These strategies can be paired with any academic content.
What Is the Barometer Teaching Strategy?
The Barometer teaching strategy helps students share their opinions by asking them to line up along a continuum based on their position on an issue. It is especially useful when you want to discuss an issue about which students have a wide range of opinions. Because a Barometer activity gets many arguments out on the table, it can be an effective pre-writing exercise before an essay assignment.
Procedure
How to Use the Barometer Strategy
Variations
Inspiration, insights, & ways to get involved
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