Since embarking on your research project journey, you have all become experts on a particular contemporary issue occurring here in New York City. A panel discussion is a way for you to showcase your knowledge and opinions in a constructive group forum. This assignment will give you the opportunity to practice public speaking skills, as well as continue using many of critical thinking skills we have been practicing this semester.
Guidelines
Each group will introduce their topic by having each individual present their specific focus by addressing the following: reason for initial interest, the claim you are making about the issue (i.e. your thesis), and what information you have found during research that has supported or detracted from your argument.
Once the groundwork for the issue(s) has been laid, the group will engage in a discussion surrounding previously presented questions, and questions I and the class come up with during the panel.
Breakdown
1). Each individual presentation will run for 5 minutes. Each individual needs to include a visual aid (on projector or handout).
**You need to coordinate with the other members of your group to decide on the visual aid!
2). After everyone has briefly presented their specific topic, the group will answer questions posed to them by myself and the rest of the class.
3). Each panel will be different, but they will run for a total of roughly 30 Minutes.
Preparation
1). Read & copy down the thesis statements of everyone in your panel
2). You need to coordinate with your group and make sure everything is in working order (i.e. exchange email address, telephone numbers, as a group ensure each individual understands their role, etc.)
3). Reread your report & thesis
4). Create notecards with some important points from your research paper & be able to refer to them throughout the panel, including 3 oral citations from your sources!
5). Research anything additional to your group’s topic that will fill out your knowledge
**6). Each of you is responsible for looking over the other panel groups themes & discussion starters and preparing at least 1 question for each group beforehand (i.e. 4 questions, total)
Panel 1: The MTA: Orlando, Elizett, Donald, Tyrek
Discussion Starter: Today we tend to take the subway system for granted. What were people’s reactions like when the system initially opened in 1904?
Discussion Starter: While the MTA fare hike may be a negative thing for many New Yorkers, does the decision to do this make sense economically? What are the main issues the MTA is citing for needing this increase? Are there other ways to mitigate the financial issue besides increasing fares?
Panel 2: Homelessness: Michelle, Massiel, Chelsey
Discussion Starter: As we discussed briefly this semester, much of the homeless population is not necessarily drug addicts, criminals, etc., even though they are often stigmatized as these. What are some of the various kinds of homeless people, and how does their homelessness often occur?
Discussion Starter: What are some real, tangible ways that regular people can help with homelessness?
Panel 3: Housing: Joanne (Infrastructure Issues in Public Housing), Maia (Public Housing Budget Cuts), Leslie (Gentrification), Precious (Poverty & Food Programs)
Discussion Starter: How is gentrification contributing to changes in public housing? Are government assistance programs like public housing subsidies, Section 8, and EBT important in this country? What do you say about the stereotypes regarding this kind of assistance?
Discussion Starter: Whether right or wrong, change is inevitable, especially in a place like NYC. What are some ways that these communities can maintain the richness and tradition of their culture? What about any positive things you’ve seen in the merging of cultures?
Panel 4: Health & Safety: Tyres (Pollution), Steven (Mental Health), Amadou (Police Brutality)
Discussion Starter: What are some productive ways to have conversations about ideologically tense issues such as climate change with people who may not necessarily agree with you? How about stigmatized and/or misunderstood issues such as mental illness or racism? How are critical thinking skills a big factor in this project?
Discussion Starter: What are some positive elements that law enforcement do and/or can bring to communities? By this I mean: have you personally seen improvement in safety or quality of life because of police presence? Or, if not, can you imagine some instances when this could happen?
Discussion Starter: What are some constructive ways citizens and law enforcement can begin dealing with this problem as separate entities, and together?
Panel 5: Education, Funding & Legislation: Ize (Public Schools), Sydney (After-School Programs), Rich (Standardized Testing), Ebony (Title X), Derrick (Continuing Repercussions of Great Recession)
Discussion Starter: What are specific topics and skills that were lacking in your public school education that you wish you had been exposed to? What about teaching methods you appreciate that were either present or lacking? Be specific?
Discussion Starter: Through the lens of history we’ve observed this semester how many social systems are deeply interconnected. What sort of connections can you find between your topics? For example, how might Title X be related to the continuing repercussions of the Great Recession? What about how Title X may be related to overcrowding in schools?
