Many students are aware that teachers are not allowed to discuss their political views in class.  Those who like to talk about politics and what is going on in government usually like to debate about their side with others.  However, many will say that they don’t want to engage with those that don’t agree with them.  

Political views should be allowed to be discussed in school, with teachers, students, and parents, but the way in which they are framed should be controlled heavily. 

In social studies classes that discuss the different governments of civilizations, countries, and empires, teachers love to talk about their opinions.  That is one of the most fun aspects of history class, since teachers are employed by  schools to guide students through their education and show them how to learn. 

“Teachers should tell students how to have better opinions in politics, not what to believe,” said social studies teacher Mr. Petro Macrigiane.  

 Students should learn how to understand what to believe because they understand politics and government.  Still, students do not believe that opinions are always important in class. 

“Do you know what a government without opinions is?  Government is a part of history and politics should be discussed in social studies because it is important and part of history,” said freshman Luke Garfin. 

How could you define social studies without opinions and arguing?  When opinions are formed through classroom debate, students learn more about why past governments were run in different ways.  This can help us make a better future because our generation will make an impact on it.  

“I think having opinions is a waste of time because it can get controversial and it could make people upset,” said freshman Harrison Koppleman. 

Koppleman’s argument implies that students and teachers could start to disagree too much in the classroom, and that students may feel uncomfortable learning in that type of environment.  However, this kind of classroom environment doesn’t have to be created if the conversations are under control and have rules. Some would also suggest that when students express their opinions, it takes time away from when they could be learning other material.  One could argue the same for persuasive essays in English.  Couldn’t the teacher just focus on books and vocabulary?  

The problem is that this approach would  make students less interested in the class.

“Not only is it important to learn about how the opinions are placed, but it can also be important to know who agrees with your opinion.  This is because everyone should want to understand each other’s opinions and to be open to others’ thoughts,” said freshman Max Maraglia. 

Acknowledging that it can ruin relationships when your friends have very different political views, it can also be very fun when you and your friend understand and agree with one another or can debate each other respectfully about different issues.  Using the information observed from those around you can define what they mean to you or establish a closer relationship to those whom you love.

Telling others how you understand different aspects of politics can help with your social studies class as well as other subjects, not to mention helping you understand what is going on in the world and how you can contribute.