Teaching them to think

Following my question to Rep. McMorris Rodgers at her town hall forum, another participant posted a question on her website asking what I was teaching in my political science class.

I encourage my students to read and watch media that give perspective of both the political left and right because there is value to be found in each. We talk about the importance of the lost art of compromise in the political arena and about the value of using “facts” to support their positions.

I tell my students it is not my job to teach from the perspective of any particular political ideology, but, rather, to provide them with the means to evaluate how and why they believe the way they do about a given issue. I teach that science has a place in policymaking and that integrity and civility count. I encourage critical thinking in my students and invite them to always speak “truth to power.”

I know this approach to learning is anathema to many political zealots, but I believe in equipping my students to live in the real world and to make meaningful contributions to the society we are preparing them to lead.

Tom Robinson

Spokane