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  • Writer's pictureWomen Who Lead

Open-Mindedness

Updated: Jan 3, 2021

A project that dives into how opinion and personal preference can complicate perspectives on certain issues as well as encourages the girls to explore counterclaims.



Learning Outcome: Having the girls consider alternative perspectives on issues they're passionate about by creating counterclaims to their arguments.


Materials:

  • Open Mindedness Quiz (linked below)

  • Computers -- google slides access

Project Run-Time: 1 Meeting


Step #1:

Begin this project by having the girls take following open mindedness quiz: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gdxOnhyYT3kzuR9HkkRRM5HYbZigXOUMIF7rT4v5GxU/edit


The quiz is obviously opinion based, but tell them that there will be correct answers.


Step #2:

Once the girls have finished, show them the "correct" answers:


Pepsi 

TV

Disney+

Apple Music 

Youtube vlogging

Pink

Skirts 

Cats


It's likely they are not going to be happy with these responses. Talk about it! Before you tell them that there are in fact no correct answers, dive into their frustrations. Why are they upset about some of these decisions? What are some answers they disagree with and why?


Step #3:

Reveal that there are no correct answers and have a discussion about their reactions and what they noticed.


We used the following to help us spur discussion:


Step #4:

Now, have the girls apply what you talked about in your discussion surrounding the importance of understanding other perspectives to help them create their own effective argument and present a compelling issue.


  • Step One: Choose an Issue! We challenge you to choose an issue you haven’t explored in depth before. If you have already done a presentation on the environment, littering, human rights, etc, choose a different issue! For step one, after you choose your issue, explain what it is so that your audience knows more about the topic you will be arguing. 


  • Step Two: Now that you have your issue, take a stand! What is your main argument going to be? For example, if you were to choose the issue of gender equality in America, would you argue that women should have equal rights to men and that there should be change implemented? Support your argument with evidence! (Do some research if you need to)


  • Step Three: Create a counterclaim. What might people disagree with? Why? Dissect a different perspective and explore it without any bias or disagreement. You will have time to disagree with this later, but for now, make sure you’re as open-minded as possible, no matter how much you disagree. 


  • Step Four: Prove why your argument is better than the counterclaim. You gave the counterclaim a chance, now tear it apart. Why is your argument better? Remember to remain level-headed, but use facts to prove why your issue is important. 


  • Step Five: You will have the opportunity to share in a circle discussion. 


Some of our girls' examples:





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