学校生活

This term, Year 10 English Communications classes have focused on developing discussion skills using the Harkness discussion method. Students are given a topic to discuss a few days in advance, and the teacher takes on an observer and facilitator role, giving as much ownership and leadership to the students as possible. Recently in our class, we discussed the ethics of advertising and whether or not using rhetorical strategies is a form of manipulation or simply persuasion.

Interestingly, some students suggested that it was a form of manipulation but that manipulation without malicious intent was possible and a natural part of life. Others contended that the nature of manipulation is inherently malicious, so intent draws the line between persuasion and manipulation.

Discussions like this help to contextualize other assignments and to prepare students for possible future careers, ethical considerations, and their own responses to the advertisements that are everywhere in their lives.