Teaching current events in government class

“I am not teaching about the impeachment inquiry. It’s too political.” These words came from an AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher on a listserve that I am on. I was shocked when I heard those words! My instant reply was that I am teaching my students about the impeachment inquiry! Where else would they learn about it if not in government class? Teaching current events is vital for being an empathic and critical thinker in our country today.

I am a huge believer that we should not only be educating our students with content but teaching them to be critical of the world around them, civically engaged in politics, and empathize with individuals in their everyday lives.

In my government classes, we have discussed the impeachment inquiry and trial. I use the website All Sides to present balanced news sources for all current events.

How do I teach current events?

My students present weekly current events with this assignment. They have to report on the same topic from a left-leaning and a right-leaning news source. They then need to connect it to the class in some way. Three students a week present current events to the class every Friday. I grade with a simple checklist rubric that makes grading quick and efficient. Sometimes I show, CNN10 every week to present current events as a supplement after a discussion.

I really like putting the ownership on my students to find, present, and report on current events. It makes for an engaging Friday! They love discussing and debating current events. Teaching current events is a valuable skill in our current society. How do you teach current events and controversial topics? Reply in the comments

Get the current event assignment here!