A note to the teacher:
Teaching a subject as value laden as terrorism can often be difficult. Here are some pointers to keep in mind while teaching not only this but any challenging topic.
Be honest in your presentation of views. Be aware of your own feelings and opinions about an issue. If you decide to express your opinions on an issue, make it clear that this is your personal view and that it is okay if students disagree.
Teach about the complexity of many issues. Do not try to protect students from it, but recognise the difficulty of such complexity, even for adults, and that the way we teach needs to be developmentally appropriate.
Create a learning environment in which students feel a sense of investment, ownership and empowerment. Consider how you can give authority and responsibility to students.
Encourage all students to participate and share their views - but no one has to share if he/she would rather not.
Encourage an atmosphere of openness, acceptance and respect by being sensitive to students' needs. Respect their feelings and, particularly with young people, err on the side of caution regarding their emotions.
Have well-articulated goals and rationales. Encourage parents and others to voice their questions and concerns. Have a support system of people such as an administrator, colleagues, interested parents and community members.
Teach multiple perspectives on all topics by ensuring that the quality of evidence from all viewpoints is as objective as possible, and that its presentation reflects the aspiration of balanced learning.
Consider your students’ developmental needs, including age, gender, family contexts, reading skills, thinking styles, and so on.
Encourage students to accept that changing their mind after evaluating an issue during a discussion is a sign of maturity.
Allow disagreements between students to be constructive rather than destructive. Let disagreement further the learning process.