Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)
What is it?
A structured discussion strategy to that is designed to help students navigate controversial
issues in a collaborative way. It helps students achieve three goals: to gain a deeper
understanding of an issue; to find common ground; and to make a decision based on evidence
and logic.
What is it not?
It is not a debate! A SAC is not about “winning” or “losing,” or about being “right” or “wrong.”
Participants should be open-minded to all sides of an issue to form an educated opinion.
How will this strategy help you?
SAC’s can help you: research issues, organize information, advocate a position, see issues from
other perspectives, synthesize information, and reach a consensus/solution.
Procedure:
1. Students will work in pairs, with each person being assigned one of the contrasting
viewpoints.
2. Read your assigned text and write down at least three key points for your side.
3. Partners will take turns presenting their information: when one student is speaking, the
other student listens carefully without interruption, taking notes in their organizer.
4. When one person finishes presenting, the partner can ask clarifying questions but
cannot engage in a discussion yet.
5. When both people are finished presenting their information, they will discuss together
different options regarding the issue, discussing how to come to areas of agreement
(suggesting possible solutions or compromises to resolve the issue).
Expectations:
1) Be respectful of each other.
2) You can disagree with another person’s position, but don’t be critical of the person
themselves.
3) Listen to everyone’s ideas, even if (and especially if) you don’t agree with them.
4) Be open to changing your mind when presented with different pieces of evidence and
points of view.
5) Try to understand both sides of the controversy and the position differences before
trying to reach a consensus.
6) Focus on reaching the best outcome, not on winning!
SAC Note-Taking Guide
TOPIC: The specific controversy being examined in this lesson is:
Should Undocumented Immigrants Get a “Path to Citizenship”?
Activity 1:
Video 1:
On the opposing side of the debate, Rich Lowry commented that “The idea that illegal
immigrants are Americans at heart I think is a little hard to take – they are workers at heart.”
What are your thoughts? Do you agree/disagree?
Video 2:
If you were an undocumented immigrant living in this country, what are some of the obstacles
that you would face?
How has the current political climate surrounding immigration affected communities and
relationships?
Activity 2: Consider this quote and answer the following question:
In your opinion, how does this quote relate to the current issue of immigration in the U.S.?
Activity 3: You will now read excerpts of quotes from a Senator and a Congressman who are
on opposing sides of the issue of undocumented immmigrants getting a “Path to Citizenship.”
After being assigned a side of the issue and reading the corresponding text, record notes in the
chart below. Record your position on the left and your partner’s position on the right.
The positions will be either:
1)Yes, Offer a Path To Citizenship OR No, Don’t Offer a Path to Citizenship
My Position: My Partner’s Position:
Key Points: Key Points:
Activity 4: Conclusion/ Final Questions:
1) Was any ground or consensus reached with your partner? Explain.
2) What were the most contentious points discussed, and/or the greatest obstacles to
consensus building?
3) After listening to today’s lecture, reading the article, and watching the videos, what is
your opinion on this issue? Has it changed at all from before the lesson?
