As high schoolers, Roberto Clemente Community Academy (RCCA) students have plenty of arguments and discussions each day. Whether they realize it or not, students create arguments using claims, evidence, and reasoning every day. In World Studies class, students are asked to do that again— this time for a grade.
In the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, students are asked to be able to identify and interpret different perspectives, and Clemente students were doing this on current issues in our world. Students discussed and debated issues such as the legalization of marijuana, charter vs, private schools, abortion, and school starting times. Students used time in the computer labs to find reliable research to provide evidence for their topic. Once finished, students used new iPads to rehearse and record 2-4 minute videos demonstrating their use of evidence to support their claims and asking their classmates challenging questions to see their perspectives.
The students enjoyed working on the projects, and many of them said they wish they could do it again so they could provide better arguments and evidence. Freshman Gustabo Moreno said, “I really enjoyed the project. It was really creative and fun. I enjoyed arguing with my classmates during class!” The freshmen finished Semester 1 on Thursday February 2nd, and will be moving on to Semester 2 when they return to school on Monday February 6th.