HELPING YOUR STUDENTS TALK TO POLICYMAKERS

(and each other)

Step 1: Well in advance, have students themselves develop possible questions that are of importance to them. Be sure to leave time for exploring the responsibilities of the policymaker they will be meeting, and why certain questions are appropriate while others arenít. Have students narrow questions down to a manageable number.

Educational benefits
  • Education on issue
  • Education about structure within which policymaker works
  • Group-building
  • Decision-making
  • Leadership development

 

Step 2: Have students refine the wording of the questions so they reflect exactly what students want to ask.

Educational benefits
  • Practice writing
  • Practice close reading
  • Group-building
  • Decision-making
  • Leadership development

 

Step 3: Have each student role-play asking at least one question. This can be done in small groups or as a whole class, but no one should beg off. Make it clear that only positive feedback will be permitted so students will feel safe to try this; itís great if everyone claps after each speaker. Emphasize that fear and nervousness are normal.

Educational benefits
  • Practice writing
  • Practice close reading
  • Practice speaking to a group (including classroom group)
  • Practice feedback and communication
  • Group-building

 



Step 4: Have students themselves decide whatever is in their control for this encounter: who will ask each question and in what order, should they stand or sit while asking questions, should they use notes, should they give their names, who will facilitate the meeting, and so forth. As much as possible, whatever is of concern to them should be dealt with in advance. Reassure students that these questions are perfectly normal for people facing an unfamiliar situation.
 
 

Educational benefits
  • Anticipating problems
  • Decision-making
  • Taking responsibility and power

 



Step 5: Debrief afterwards! Let students talk and laugh away their stress and anxieties. Non-speakers will love hearing that speakers were nervous. Speakers will love hearing that their nervousness didnít show. All will love discussing the response they received from the policymaker. Make sure students understood all answers.
 
 

Educational benefits
  • Practice reflecting on action
  • Testing and sharing understanding
  • Group-building
  • Consolidating learning

 



And now, four indispensable rules of helping students talk to policymakers:

Rule 1: PRACTICE!

Rule 2: PRACTICE!

Rule 3: PRACTICE!

Rule 4: Repeat Rules 1-3!

Updated 8.22.03