Lesson Plan

Printable Version (PDF) 

Title

Democracy: The Right to Disagree and the Responsiblity to Cooperate

Audience

Social Studies 8 - 12, Civic Studies 11.

Overview

Within a unit on government in British Columbia, this is a lesson that can be used to demonstrate two tenets of democracy: the right to disagree and the responsibility to cooperate. Before this lesson, students should have an understanding of the historical roots of the Canadian political and legal systems.

Objectives

Apply critical thinking skills, including: questioning, comparing, summarizing, drawing conclusions, and defending a position.

Activities and Method

1. Familiarize students with your School's Code of Conduct.
2. Show Question Period. Observe the behaviour of the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and document. (See Appendix A)
3. Discuss observations (Think, Pair, Share or Partner Talk).
4. Determine if the observations meet the tenets of your School's Code of Conduct - use the Yes/No columns in Appendix A to record your decisions.
5. Conduct classroom discussions using a selection of questions. (See Appendix B).
6. In groups (of 2, 3, 4) create a poster-sized Code of Conduct for MLAs during Question Period.

Extensions

1. Orally defend created Code of Conduct.
2. Gallery walk of posted Codes of Conduct.
3. Rank Code of Conduct tenets and justify (individual or group).
4. Create a summative class Code of Conduct for MLAs.

Preparation

Teacher Preparation

1. Access the indexes, from Hansard's main page (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/index.htm), click on "Indexes" under "Debates of the Legislative Assembly" to obtain a documented session of Question Period.
2. Access a copy of your School's Code of Conduct.

Duration of Activity

2-3 lessons, perhaps 3-5 with extensions.

Learning Outcomes

It is expected that students will:

• demonstrate effective skills, including: assessing information, evaluating information, organizing information, and presenting information
• demonstrate effective written, oral or graphic communication skills collaboratively
• evaluate the relative abilities of individuals, governments, and non-government organizations to effect civic change in Canada and the world, with reference to considerations such as: power and influence, circumstances, methods of decision-making, action, and public opinion
• assess the role and beliefs and values in civic decision making

Materials and Resources

• Computer access to view archived Question Period.
• Poster paper and markers.
• Copies of Appendix A and B.
• Copies of School's Code of Conduct

Evaluation of Activity

Completion-based activity (pass-fail). Note to teachers: evaluation may occur at multiple stages of this activity.

Submitted By

Alexis Aitken, George Bonner Middle School, SD #79, (Cowichan Valley)
Alana Check, Echo Bay Elementary School, SD #85, (Vancouver Island North)
Kirk Longpré, Mount Douglas Secondary School, SD #61, (Greater Victoria)
Krista Marrs, Okanagan Mission Secondary School, SD #23, (Kelowna)
Tamara Martin, L.V. Rogers Secondary School, SD#8, (Kootenay Lake)

NOTE: The ideas and opinions expressed in this classroom activity belong to their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The Public Education and Outreach office only edits for clarity.

Appendix – Handouts

Printable Version of Appendix A (PDF)

Appendix A
Observation of Question Period

While you are watching Question Period, describe what you see and hear. Pay particular attention to verbal communication and body language.

Printable Version of Appendix B (PDF)

Appendix B:
Discussion Questions