Current Events in HS??

I'm a high school global teacher and have used different techniques, methods, and assignments to include current events in my class....some I'm happy with, others I'm not....does anyone have any ideas that aren't boring or easy to cheat or plaigiarize on the students part...TIA

Re: Current Events in HS??

Yes... I use this for 12th grade government.
We are on a 6 day cycle (A-F) Every E-day, 5 students have to bring in an article & be prepared to lead a discussion on the issue. I sit with a list of everyone's names in front of me, and everyone gets a participation grade. We all sit in a circle, and I don't usually participate beyond being a moderator. This method has worked really well in the past, because everyone knows they are getting a grade for the assignment!

I don't know id I explained it well enough... if you want, FM me and I will send you the handouts I use for it.

Re: Current Events in HS??

I have used the circle discussion as well and I find that kids really come up with some great points. You can even add points to students who participate in the discussion more than once if it was not their week.


I have also done debates. Give a group of 2 or 3 the pro side and another group the con side.


I just would advise that if this is 10th or 11th grade SS, not to do this often. I know I have had admins not like when I went off topic from the Regents material. but it depends on the admin.

Re: Current Events in HS??

Thanks so much for the advice....I also go into a circle when I do current events with my sophomores....I really haven't formally included current events with my freshmen because it seems I barely have time to cover what I need to...I do incorporate it as I am teaching something...for example when I was teaching about Southeast Asia I started to go over things going on today in Southeast Asia...I do the same with many other topics with my freshman...Thank you again