We are a quarter into the 21st century, at a time when students can chat with AI bots, scroll through algorithm curated feeds, and read polarizing opinions from a seemingly endless stream of internet posts, in a matter of moments. But can our students (and for that matter, the adults in our midst) listen, ask thoughtful questions, and disagree respectfully?

We often assume students inherently know how to communicate appropriately, that they are aware of how to collaborate, listen thoughtfully, and engage in meaningful discussions. But civil discourse is not innate. Respectful discussion skills are taught, practiced, and nurtured. And these skills can occur in nearly any content area, oftentimes with history/social studies content guiding the process.

Civil Discourse as a Necessity

In the United States and across the globe, there is growing polarization and a decline in evidence based, respectful dialogue, even among adults. But in the classroom, we have a unique opportunity to address this challenge directly. Using history, social studies, or current events as a lens, students can practice viewing information, and then engaging with others in a way that invites diverse perspectives, amplifies multiple voices, and promotes civil communication that unites rather than divides humanity.

Historical, social, and current events are complex. There is a great deal of nuance, and varied viewpoints are necessary for engaging in a productive, holistic understanding of an event or issue. This naturally invites discussion. And this kind of content naturally leads to conversations that help students grow as critical thinkers and human focused communicators.

In an age of AI, where information is released constantly and often contains mistruths or exaggerations, we need to encourage our students to pause, consider, and discuss with each other. Students in the 21st century need to learn how to analyze, reflect, and speak with care. Civil discourse helps build empathy, strengthens critical thinking, and fosters academic curiosity that not only meets academic standards, but prepares the next generation to lead thoughtfully today and in the future.

Rich Conversations, Grounded in Social Studies

The key to respectful discussion is curiosity. Fear and judgment cannot stand in the face of wonder. Encourage students to ask questions rather than make statements. This practice builds skills in validating other viewpoints while challenging assumptions and seeking evidence for opinions. Social studies content is filled with opportunities to ask questions.

• What would you have done if you had been present at that event, convening, or moment in time?
• How do you think this event affected different groups of people? Whose perspective might have been amplified? What voices may have intentionally or unintentionally silenced?
• What lessons can we learn from the actions of the past or recent current event?

These are not merely history or current event questions, they are questions that foster habits of mindful thinking. Conversations in our classrooms must go beyond recall. We must invite nuance, encourage cognitive dissonance, and activate speaking and listening skills in authentic, engaging ways.

Tools to Support Civil Discourse

The following protocols that can turn any classroom into a space for meaningful, thoughtful discussion:

• Socratic Seminars: Use a short historical text, primary source, or event summary. Teach students how to prepare thoughtful questions and respond with evidence.
  • Today, discussions often take place digitally. Refer to a previous post for ideas on blending digital and analog discussion strategies to meet the needs of 21st century learners.
• Fishbowl Discussions: A small group discusses while the rest observe. Young students can draw sketches if writing is a struggle. The observers may have the opportunity to ask questions or provide comments after the small group pauses or concludes their discussion. This builds listening and reflection in a low-pressure format.
• Digital Discussion Boards: Use tools such as Flip, an LMS discussion board feature, or a shared digital document to allow students to post responses to a compelling image, short video, or article. Direct students to respond to at least two peers.

Beyond Talk: Roleplay, Simulation and More

Extension activities for civil discourse discussion protocols abound. Historical roleplay can allow students to metaphorically step into the shoes of historical figures and debate key decisions from the past. As a sixth grade teacher, I had the opportunity to work with a colleague to help students design an experience like this. Students researched a historic court case, scripted a mock trial, and extended their roleplay to the entire student body as a production in the school auditorium.

An engaging and timely variation to this is having students interact with an AI chatbot programmed to mimic a historical figure, such as Abraham Lincoln or Harriet Tubman, asking questions about pivotal events or personal motivations. (Please note the italicized, bold text below for caveat to engaging your students with AI chatbots). Platforms for AI chatbot discussion include but are not limited to School AI, and Your Story. While the responses may be informative and engaging, this activity offers more than novelty. It opens the door to rich lessons on digital citizenship, media literacy, and how AI tools work. An AI chatbot activity must include guidance for students to evaluate the bot’s responses critically, recognize potential “hallucinations” (inaccurate or fabricated content), and discuss the limitations of AI in capturing the full complexity and nuance of human experiences. In an era of AI, this is of paramount importance and must not be omitted from the learning activity.

In addition, teachers might simulate a mock community meeting where students represent diverse perspectives in a town hall-style setting, or use age appropriate current events that connect to historical themes to encourage weighing evidence and considering multiple viewpoints. These activities make history come alive and also equip students with essential thinking skills for navigating the current media landscape.

Next Steps

Try one structured discussion this week. Start small. Select a primary source (text, video, poem, or image) or a short article. Pose one open ended question to your students, and provide sentence starters along with clear norms for listening and responding. And remind your learners to continually engage in curiosity, asking questions in favor of making statements.

In about a month, co-author Adam Juarez and I will release our next book, History Matters in an Age of AI: Interdisciplinary Approaches for K–8 Classrooms, which contains tools and lesson ideas like this to integrate history, literacy, and student voice. Stay tuned for more information as the launch date nears.

May we continue to support our students in asking questions, speaking up, thinking deep, and engaging with the world around them, whether focusing on issues of the past or present. Blogposts in the next few weeks will preview more ideas to integrate history/social studies into any classroom.