Usable Knowledge Encouraging Classroom Debate A high school teacher shares advice on guiding classroom conversations about controversial issues Posted March 21, 2017 By Usable Knowledge Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Teachers and Teaching Molly Dill, a twelfth grade economics and government teacher at The Springfield Renaissance School in Springfield, Massachusetts, has advice for leading classrooms discussions on controversial topics.It's important to stay focused on the content, she says. She tells students, there's nothing wrong with expressing emotion — but "let's make sure that it is not anger or sarcasm that is targeted toward the people you are talking to," she says. "And I make sure that students are using evidence." Usable Knowledge Connecting education research to practice — with timely insights for educators, families, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles Usable Knowledge Anti-Muslim Bias Usable Knowledge Talking Race in the Suburbs Discussing race in classes where white students outnumber students of color? Strategize, acknowledge, and check in Usable Knowledge Optimism Stronger than Fear Immigrant and refugee children are resilient and determined to contribute. Will we stop them — or support them?