Dear Readers, Please check out our new Opinion Poll on whether writing letters is an outdated mode of communication, and cast your vote by the end of May 2015.
As you know …

your opinion counts

Our April 2015 poll was about teaching ‘both sides’ of historical events:

It is important to teach ‘both sides’ of historical events, even when it shows your country in a negative light, in order to have thoughtful and productive discussions about complex issues.

• I agree. A balanced look at the country’s history may make many uncomfortable. However, discomfort and cognitive conflict is key to developing critical thinking skills in future generations. (96%, 45 Votes)

• I disagree. Discussing complex issues may bring accusations against teachers of promoting a political agenda, which they may not be able or ready to handle. (4%, 2 Votes)

The overwhelming majority of those who responded to this poll (96%) think that it is important to present and teach a balanced view of the country’s history. These respondents feel that this is important, even if one’s country is seen in a negative light and it causes discomfort and cognitive conflict amongst the students. On the other hand, only a very small minority of the respondents (4%) believe that teachers should not be discussing complex historical issues in the classroom, as neither the teacher nor the students may be equipped to handle them.