Current Events Class- Middle School

This class is for students interested in learning and debating US & World current events, culminating with a Round Table Discussion.

Summary

• Contributive, participative, discussion-based learning model.
• Class size maximum: 15 students. 
• Asynchronous feedback is provided. 
• Weekly deliverable: Analysis and talking points, amongst others.
• End of Term Display of Learning: Current Events Round Table.
• Student assessment provided for homeschooled students and those who request it.
• Duration: 6 Weeks.

​Course Description

Current events are an extremely effective vehicle for cross-disciplinary learning. By monitoring and studying current events, students will be exposed to political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic concepts that create real-life learning experiences and great dinner time conversations.

TDA's method to teach current events, developed over a decade of practice, takes learning about current events several steps further. 

Firstly, each student's interest will drive their selection of their weekly area of study, with guidance provided on media literacy, research, presentation, and analysis. TDA also selects the most important current events and trends driving change in our time and conducts special briefings and discussion items.

Secondly, with each current event, we extract the moral decisions at hand and challenge students to place themselves in a leadership position and as members of a democratic society.

Thirdly, this class functions on a participative and discussion-based model, in which students will spend asynchronous learning time researching, collaborating with other students, and engaging with instructors. Class time is reserved for discussion, analysis, and debate. Feedback and individual guidance are provided asynchronously to reserve class time for discussion and displays of learning.

This 6-week session culminates with a live online event to which parents and guests are invited. Students will prepare for and participate in a formal, recorded 60-minute Current Events Round Table (similar to a Sunday talk show panel) to display the knowledge they have gained. 

This course incorporates some of the best online and offline learning practices and is a great complement to regular schools with pandemic era online curriculum or homeschooled students. 

Learning Intentions

• To develop current events monitoring skills, media literacy skills, and the use of research methods for self- directed learning
• To develop rhetorical and argumentative skills, social tact, and listening skills necessary for academic, ethical, and political debate
• To explore societal values, moral issues, and ethical dilemmas
• To prepare and participate in a debate before an authentic audience.

Dates & Duration

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