Meet the Press: A Revolutionary Classroom Debate

While studying the American Revolution, we began our unit with a Meet the Press Activity [modified from the History Alive! Activity Binder]. Each student first chose a role within their assigned group of three: (1) role playing a 17th/18th century thinker on a panel, (2) serving as a reporter (asking friendly questions of their team member and challenging questions of other panel members) or (3) taking on the role of the public relations specialist (introducing their panel member to the group and providing assistance on difficult questions).

Our essential questions for the panelists' debate were:
1. Should people be trusted to govern themselves?
2. What is the best form of government?

Each panel member represented a popular way of thinking right before the start of the American Revolution.



RECOGNITIONS: Thank you to Andy, Alex A. and Elliott for taking video footage/conducting interviews and taking snapshot photography during this classroom activity. I would like to recognize the whole class for their performance in the Meet the Press Activity. I was impressed by the knowledge and research you shared with the class, as well as the effective way you worked together on your teams. I would like to specifically recognize Hunter, Luis, Carli, Lindsay, Raymond, Sarah and Robert for their passionate performances during the debate and their obvious preparation work. I would also like to recognize Michael, Jesus, Caitlin, and Alec for their attention to detail as they prepared their costumes and became the panelist they represented. Special thanks goes to Alexandra, Brian and Shaelyn for asking particularly challenging questions as reporters. Those of you who stepped out of your comfort zones during this activity, choosing to role-play a panelist, even when performing in front of the group is a challenge for you, should feel very proud. Lastly, I would like to recognize Malia, who came into the activity late, but really impressed me with her understanding of John Locke's ideas and her ability to serve as a supportive and informed public relations specialist.