View Content #21229

by Stephanie Knight, CASLS Language Technology Specialist

The purpose of this activity is to expose intermediate high and advanced low learners to considerations of differences that divide human groups through critical reading and discussion. This particular activity draws connections between said groupings and issues related to race.

Learning Objectives: Learners will be able to:

• Read a historical article or blog to understand the context of modern-day issues
• Discuss issues of social significance

Modes: Interpretive Reading, Interpersonal Speaking

Materials Needed: Parable of the Polygons (http://ncase.me/polygons/), vocabulary handout

Procedure

1. Give learners the vocabulary handout. Allow them to engage in self-reflection regarding how well they can fulfill the principal learning target for this activity, “I can read a historical article or blog to understand the context for modern-day issues.”
2. Learners will explore the concepts of sameness and variableness through gameplay of Parable of the Polygons, a game/blog that is available in 13 languages and allows learners to visualize segregation overtime. As they play, they will use context to define key vocabulary on the vocabulary handout.
3. Learners will pretend that they are one of the game/blog makers of Parable of the Polygons and that they need to prepare for a debate regarding systemic issues associated with racism. Using the vocabulary handout, they will craft responses to a series of claims that might be made during the debate using information from the game/blog.
4. To close, learners will engage in a class debate regarding the issues of grouping by sameness that they explored in Parable of the Polygons. In this debate, they will discuss whether or not the statement, “There is a historical precedent for issues related to race that makes total change impossible,” is true. Instruct them to use the questions below to guide their thinking as they consider the statement. Given the complexity of this topic, it would be a good idea to let the learners to have five minutes of thinking time before the debate begins.

1. How do we inspire change?
2. What catalyzes change?
3. When is a conflict over?
4. Why do racial tensions exist?
5. How does the past impact the present?
6. Why are people bothered by changes to the status quo?
7. How do small biases have the potential to impact society both positively and negatively?
8. What do I know about the history of issues dealing with race in my hometown?

Notes:

While this activity draws a connection between Parable of the Polygon and issues related to race, Parable of the Polygon can be used to explore any other issue related to grouping by sameness.