As Elizabeth Emery pointed out, “diversity of thought and appreciation of diverse perspectives can be difficult to develop in high school classrooms for a variety of reasons,” such as overprotective parents, overly cautious administrators, and students’ increasing desire to avoid topics that might “trigger” them. But students will undoubtedly encounter perspectives different from their own in college, the workforce, and society-at-large. Therefore, incorporating classroom activities that allow students to broaden their perspectives is crucial.
The aim of this activity is to promote viewpoint diversity, while simultaneously showing students they can be exposed to disagreement and difference without suffering. By completing the activity, students will better understand new perspectives and improve their listening and writing skills.