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This Training Pack is a professional development programme for teachers which is designed to support and promote the teaching of controversial issues in schools in Europe. It seeks to address the challenges of teaching controversial issues through the development of a comprehensive package of training and professional development material.
■ It aims to help teachers recognise the value of engaging young people in controversial issues and develop the confidence and competences to make it a part of their everyday practice, in particular through:
          • The creation of ‘safe spaces’ in the classroom where students can explore issues that concern them freely and without fear
          • The use of teaching strategies and techniques which promote open and respectful dialogue.
■ It takes the view that, while there no ‘quick fixes’ and not every issue will be suitable for every age group, ultimately there is no good reason why controversial issues should be avoided in schools and classrooms and every good reason why they should not.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
INTRODUCTION 
PART A. SCOPING PAPER EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES AND DEVELOPING COMPETENCE 
Introduction 
Purpose 
Foundation 
Approach 
The context 
Literature review 
What are controversial issues? 
Why teach controversial issues? 
What are the challenges? 
How can these challenges be met? 
What types of training and training resources are currently available? 
Conclusions 
Recommendations 
APPENDIX I. TEACHER COMPETENCES FOR TEACHING CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES 
1. Personal 
2. Theoretical 
3. Practical 
REFERENCES 
PART B. PROGRAMME OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES 
The Programme of Training Activities 
Implementing the Programme of Training Activities 
Outcomes 
The role of the facilitator/trainer 
Section 1: Introducing controversial issues 
Section 2: Teaching methods 
Section 3: Reflection and evaluation 
Section one: Introducing controversial issues 
Activity 1.1: Introduction 
Activity 1.2: Musical chairs 
Activity 1.3: Blob Tree 
Activity 1.4: Hot or cold? 
Activity 1.5: Baggage check 
Section two – Teaching methods 
Meeting the challenge 
Activity 2.1: Whose side are you on? 
Activity 2.2: Changing Perspectives 
Activity 2.3: The School on the Edge of the Forest 
Activity 2.4: Other People’s Shoes 
Activity 2.5: World Café 
Activity 2.6: Forum Theatre 
Section three – Reflection and evaluation 
Putting it all together 
Activity 3.1: Snowball 
Activity 3.2: Lesson Plan 
Activity 3.3: Blue Letters 
Activity 3.4: Fun Tree
 
          Living with Controversy - Teaching Controversial Issues Through Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights (EDC/HRE) - Training Pack for Teachers
This Training Pack is a professional development programme for teachers which is designed to support and promote the teaching of controversial issues in schools in Europe. It seeks to address the challenges of teaching controversial issues through the development of a comprehensive package of training and professional development material.
■ It aims to help teachers recognise the value of engaging young people in controversial issues and develop the confidence and competences to make it a part of their everyday practice, in particular through:
          • The creation of ‘safe spaces’ in the classroom where students can explore issues that concern them freely and without fear
          • The use of teaching strategies and techniques which promote open and respectful dialogue.
■ It takes the view that, while there no ‘quick fixes’ and not every issue will be suitable for every age group, ultimately there is no good reason why controversial issues should be avoided in schools and classrooms and every good reason why they should not.
