1 Content and structure of the learning unit
Rhein von Wesseling bis Godorf (50194963387). Bundesanstalt für Wasserbau. CC BY 4.0.
Learning module by Alexandra Budke and Pascal Muschik
Content and structure of the learning module
In this learning module, you will focus on teaching argumentation competencies in geography classes from 5th grade onwards. But why should you as a geography teacher practice argumentation in your own lessons at all? Which methods can be used to conduct argumentation in class? Which quality criteria characterize a successful argumentation? And what does the situation look like in geography lessons so far? Observations of lessons in a study by Budke (2011a) show that, at least in Berlin and Brandenburg schools, argumentation took place in only 8.4% of all geography lessons. A subsequent survey of teachers revealed that they are unsure about which geographic topics argumentation is particularly useful for and which methods can be used to promote students' argumentation competencies.
In the course of this module, you will get to know and apply several methods for arguing in geography class on the basis of the example of the space use conflict at Godorfer Hafen. Five actors will provide five different perspectives (economy, leisure, environment, housing, flood) on the question “Should Godorfer Hafen be expanded?”. Thus, the Rhine excursion (Link here) will accompany you like a golden thread through the module.
Aims of this learning module:
- Getting to know the characteristics of an argumentation and the quality criteria for the evaluation of argumentations
- Getting to know the reasons for why one should integrate argumentation in geography lessons
- Getting to know concrete teaching methods to promote students’ argumentation competencies
- Applying teaching methods for argumentation
- Planning a teaching unit with two lessons on the topic “Should Godorf Harbour be expanded?”
- Reflecting on the knowledge and skills learned in this unit
Introductory text on argumentation
"I argue, therefore I understand" (Alexandra Budke)
Original source name:
„Ich argumentiere, also verstehe ich.“ Über die Bedeutung von Kommunikation und Argumentation im Geographieunterricht. In: Budke, Alexandra (2012). Diercke – Kommunikation und Argumentation. Braunschweig. S. 5-18
Download: Click here!
„Ich argumentiere, also verstehe ich.“ Über die Bedeutung von Kommunikation und Argumentation im Geographieunterricht. In: Budke, Alexandra (2012). Diercke – Kommunikation und Argumentation. Braunschweig. S. 5-18
Download: Click here!
Further use as OER explicitly permitted: This work and its contents are - unless otherwise stated - licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Citation according to TULLU rule please as follows: "Methods for Argumentation Competence Promotion" by Alexandra Budke and Pascal Muschik, license: CC BY-SA 4.0.