Civic Literacy and Engagement: Humanities Presidential Debate Discussion
For a Humanities class, we had several group discussions on the recent Presidential Debate. I think these address the 21st Century Skill of Civic Literacy and Engagement. We learned about the candidates for the presidency, and how the debate was similar to previous debates in the past, and we became engaged with what is going on in America right now. I am proud of how I already had a really great understanding of the material covered, because I had watched the debates and researched the candidates myself. I improved with not only my Civic Literacy and Engagement skills, but my Communication skills. I was able to communicate what I already knew to help others have a better understanding. I think I could improve on learning more about how this ties into previous presidential debates, and how it was similar or different. This ties directly into previous time when I have tried to learn more about the presidential candidates, and when I actually watched the debate myself. The most difficult thing about completing this was doing it over a virtual platform. It is much harder to communicate, and it is harder to gauge what people are trying to say. What I learned from this discussion continue to be relevant, not only for the upcoming debate and election, but when I'm old enough to vote myself.
Work Sample
3 Journal Questions
What is your reaction to the Kennedy/Nixon debate?
I think Kennedy sent a more powerful message to the voters, by being conscious of his appearance, and speaking directly to the camera. I think Joe Biden was similar in this regard. He was relatively dignified and respectful, and he spoke right into the camera too. This sent a message that he cared more about letting the voters at home know about him and his policies, than by responding to the taunts of his opponent.
Does watching the CNN-polled undecided voters and the world headlines affect your feelings around the debate and/or the importance of voting?
Not really. We all should understand that we have a responsibility to vote, and we don't need a video to tell us that. All good American citizens understand this. Everyone needs to vote, so no one is underrepresented, and so we always pick the best person for the job.
What are some Takeaways from your small group?
Most people think that the debate should be better moderated. Because of all of the interrupting, we didn't really have a change to gain an understanding of what the candidates policies were.
3 Journal Questions
What is your reaction to the Kennedy/Nixon debate?
I think Kennedy sent a more powerful message to the voters, by being conscious of his appearance, and speaking directly to the camera. I think Joe Biden was similar in this regard. He was relatively dignified and respectful, and he spoke right into the camera too. This sent a message that he cared more about letting the voters at home know about him and his policies, than by responding to the taunts of his opponent.
Does watching the CNN-polled undecided voters and the world headlines affect your feelings around the debate and/or the importance of voting?
Not really. We all should understand that we have a responsibility to vote, and we don't need a video to tell us that. All good American citizens understand this. Everyone needs to vote, so no one is underrepresented, and so we always pick the best person for the job.
What are some Takeaways from your small group?
Most people think that the debate should be better moderated. Because of all of the interrupting, we didn't really have a change to gain an understanding of what the candidates policies were.