This activity invites students to articulate your stance on the course material, exploring how their identity and beliefs shape your interpretation. It's an opportunity to critically engage with historical socio-economic contexts, refine your viewpoints, and express a well-considered position on the topics that matter most to your students.
- Activity goal
- Assess | Exchange knowledge | Practice skills | Reflect
- When
- In class | Post class | Pre class
- Where
- Offline | Online
- Duration
- < 30 minutes| < 60 minutes| > 60 minutes
- Group size
- Small
Step-by-step
Step 1
Introduce the concept: Start by explaining the idea of positionality to your students. Clarify how understanding their own perspectives and backgrounds can influence their interpretation of the course material.
Step 2
Assign the position paper: Provide a clear assignment brief. Ask students to identify and articulate their position regarding a specific aspect of the course content. Ensure they understand this includes reflecting on their personal identity, beliefs, and how these influence their understanding.
Step 3
Outline expectations: Detail the criteria for the paper, including length, formatting, and key components such as introduction, argumentation, and conclusion. Emphasize the importance of incorporating analysis of historical socio-economic structures as they relate to their position.
Step 4
Facilitate research and discussion: Encourage students to research thoroughly and engage in discussions, perhaps in small groups, to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding. Provide resources or suggest readings that offer diverse viewpoints.
Step 5
Provide feedback: Offer to review draft versions of the position paper. Give constructive feedback to help students refine their arguments and ensure they are critically engaging with the material and their own beliefs.
Step 6
Reflect and share: After submission, consider dedicating a class session or an online forum for students to share their positions and reflections. This can foster a rich dialogue, allowing students to challenge themselves further and appreciate the diversity of perspectives within the classroom.
