Issue Analysis
Issue Analysis
http://www.wtc.k12.mn.us/isIssue analysis closes the loop in a research assignment for students. Students who are asked to research a topic should be expected to use this information for problem solving, decision making or issue analysis. If the instruction loop (gathering information, thinking about the information, and applying the information) is not completed, students will have difficulty remembering what they have researched. It may be helpful to use the following checklist to help students understand when they have reached the level of issue analysis in their thinking:
Evaluation Checklist for Issue Analysis Topic selected has controversial componentsQuestions or points of view of the topic are clear Bibliography is complete and properly formatted Background information is summarized Each source is examined for bias and audience. Areas of conflict, compromise, or agreement are identified Positions and solutions are evaluated (including motives of groups or individuals, feasibility and practicality, impact on policies, and consequences)
Taking a Position on an Issue
This discussion paper by Dr. John Malouff and Dr. Nicola Schutte argue for the need for teachers to take a more active role in the teaching of problem solving. Too often in our rush to teach social studies facts and information, we forget that the reason we teach this information is for students to use it in solving real life problems:
Writing in the Social Studies Classroom Jurisprudential Approach to Teaching Social Studies