ERIC Number: EJ1362368
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1740-4622
EISSN: EISSN-1740-4630
Protest to Podium: Teaching Argumentation to Advance Advocacy from Social Media to City Hall
Kibsey, Talia
Communication Teacher, v36 n4 p307-313 2022
Online activism is a space of opportunity for students to encounter social justice issues, explore the possibilities of visual rhetoric, practice persuasive speaking skills, and actively contribute to the momentum of social movements. At the same time, digital activism raises concerns about "slacktivism," limiting the necessary on-the-ground mobilization that turns the momentum of these movements into structural change. Protest to Podium meets this concern by merging digital activism, photojournalism, and public speaking, transforming the classroom into a space to engage with current social justice issues through the practice of persuasive speech. After being assigned a buzzworthy protest sign that has been photographed and posted on social media, students work to expound the argument alluded to on the sign and then role-play as constituents at a mock city hall hearing, presenting a persuasive speech to advance their cause. This experience encourages students to understand themselves as active members in the democratic process--virtually and materially--while appreciating evolving modes of activism and rhetoric. Courses: Public Speaking, Visual Rhetoric, Social Movements, Advocacy, Argumentation. Objectives: This activity will enable student to: (1) enact critical citizenship by interrogating issues of power and oppression from diverse perspectives; (2) demonstrate good research practices and informed media engagement; (3) construct and defend a sound argument using logic, reasoning, and persuasive argumentation strategies; and (4) assess the impact of rhetorical strategies in digital and visual communication for advocacy.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Public Speaking, Persuasive Discourse, Advocacy, Social Media, Learning Activities, Social Justice, Social Problems, Role Playing, Democracy, Rhetoric, Citizenship, Logical Thinking, Computer Mediated Communication, Visual Aids, Communication (Thought Transfer)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A