65: How to Discuss Politics and Other Sensitive Issues in School

65: How to Discuss Politics and Other Sensitive Issues in School

Author: Mark Barnes October 12, 2016 Duration: 12:04
During a presidential debate, a citizen asked Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump if they are appropriate for kids. In this episode, Mark Barnes expands on the question while explaining how to discuss politics and other sensitive issues in school and in your classroom.

Mark suggests that teachers stop telling kids that their views on politics are personal. Rather, he says to tell students what you really think, which helps educators hack the problem of seeming too distant and unreal to kids.

Learn two simple things you can do tomorrow, in order to discuss politics and other sensitive issues in school, without igniting an argument or even chaos.

It's time to open up with students.

Learn more at http://hacklearningpodcast.com.

Visit our sponsor Kiddom at http://kiddom.co/hacklearning.

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Mark Barnes hosts Hack Learning, a podcast built on the idea that the most impactful changes in education often come from simple, actionable shifts. This isn't about theoretical debates; it's a toolbox of practical strategies for educators, school leaders, and parents who are ready to rethink the status quo. Each episode tackles a specific, real-world challenge, breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps you can apply immediately. You'll hear concrete methods for revitalizing classroom engagement, transforming assessment to truly measure learning, and cutting through the administrative noise to focus on what matters. The conversations explore how to leverage technology meaningfully, not just for its own sake, and how to create environments where even the most hesitant student finds a path forward. From reimagining homework and fostering a genuine love of reading to streamlining leadership and crafting effective communication, this podcast delivers concise, proven hacks. It’s for anyone who believes that better practices lead to better outcomes and wants to translate that belief into daily action. Tune in for straightforward, no-jargon insights that make improvement feel not only possible but achievable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hack Learning
Podcast Episodes
96: Forget Politics and Teach Tolerance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:35
What happened in Charlottesville, Virginia should not be politicized, says Hack Learning creator Mark Barnes. Many people have made this despicable event about the president and what he said in the aftermath of violent p…
95: Damn right, your students should like you - Hack Learning Uncut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:24
@markbarnes19 is Uncut again, and swearing, literally, that students need to like their teachers in order to learn from them. Mark references a blog post at Teachthought.com that covers students liking their teachers. Mo…
93: Hacking your thin skin - Hack Learning Uncut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:52
Mark Barnes is unedited and Uncut again, discussing how he used to be the most thin-skinned SOB you'd ever meet. Mark provides 3 simple hacks that he learned help thicken even the thinnest skin. Mark shares several perso…
92: The Glass Classroom and Happy Birthday Hacking Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:44
We teach behind walls, and it's time to leverage todays technology to create transparency in education. In episode 92, Mark shares some right-now solutions for building a Glass Classroom -- an environment that empowers t…
91: Throw out old-school EdTech -- Hack Learning Uncut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:01
In this edition of Uncut, Mark riffs on teachers using technology, just to say that they are integrating technology in their classrooms. Telling kids to type an essay in a Google Doc just so they can say they're teaching…
90: Toni's Template for Engaging Reluctant Learners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:30
In Episode 90 of the Hack Learning Podcast, Mark shares Toni's Template for engaging reluctant learners, taken from the forthcoming Hacking Engagement Again: 50 Teacher Tools That Will Make Students Love Your Class (Time…
89: How Teachers Can Break Up With Nightly Homework [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:37
As summer break begins, Mark gives a homework assignment to all teachers: Break up with nightly homework this coming school year. Learn how to change your homework mindset and eliminate the useless traditional homework a…
88: Sifting Through Internet Noise with Google Alerts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:07
Are you tired of alerts? Fed up with one bell or buzz after another on your Smartphone or tablet? Now, you can sift through all the Internet noise with a much quieter, much more effective kind of alert -- Google alerts i…
87: #DraftEDU - With the Number 1 Pick Hack Learning Selects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:24
With sports fans abuzz over the NFL draft, Mark Barnes got to thinking, What if educators held their own draft? What positions would they fill. Mark selects his Top 3 in three key education categories. See how they stack…