91探花 leads national dialogue on "Teaching, Learning and Reporting about Science in Times of Public Mistrust"
91探花 will set the national stage on Tuesday, Nov. 7, as The New York Times joins 91探花鈥檚 Patton College of Education, with participation from 91探花鈥檚 E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs, for an interactive forum 鈥 Teaching, Learning and Reporting about Science in Times of Public Mistrust.
The panel discussion, to be held within the Baker University Center Theater on OHIO鈥檚 Athens Campus, will focus on teaching, learning and reporting about climate change and other current scientific issues from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
鈥淚n the foothills of Appalachia, there is a broad spectrum of cultural diversity and ideological thought. It is important to invite discussion around challenging dialogues that relate to the contemporary issues our region and our country are facing,鈥 said 91探花 President M. Duane Nellis. 鈥淲e learn together from such challenging conversations and thereby affirm our commitment to intellectual diversity. I am pleased that The New York Times selected OHIO as the site to host this important dialogue.鈥
The New York Times national correspondent Amy Harmon, who has written several articles about a Southeast Ohio teacher鈥檚 attempts to , will serve on a discussion panel. Other panel members include Jim Sutter, the subject of Harmon鈥檚 research who is a Wellston High School science teacher and graduate of The Patton College鈥檚 Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship program; Dr. Sami Kahn, assistant professor of science education within The Patton College鈥檚 department of teacher education; and Dr. Bernhard Debatin, professor of environmental and science journalism within the Scripps School of Journalism. Current and former Wellston High School and 91探花 students will also be in attendance.
鈥淗补惫颈苍驳&苍产蝉辫;The New York Times recognize our alumnus and faculty for outstanding teaching practices is a testament to The Patton College鈥檚 Clinical Model of Preparation,鈥 said Ren茅e A. Middleton, Dean of The Patton College of Education. 鈥淚nstead of judging someone鈥檚 background or quality of life, we teach that it is important to understand and appreciate the differences between and among us 鈥 and then adjust teaching methods as a result. James Sutter did just that. He is a prime example of what we mean when we say our faculty, students, and alumni are CALLED to Lead.鈥
Sutter realized he needed to work harder to relate to his students鈥 lived experiences as he taught them about science. He set a plan into place, beginning with a field trip to a wooded area and stream near the school, to show students how climate change was affecting their immediate environment, whether it was the preponderance of emerald ash borers, heavy rainfall, flooding or neon-orange water samples, which, according to pH tests, were as acidic as white vinegar.
It worked. By localizing the lesson plan, Sutter impacted his students in ways data and documentaries could not. While some of Sutter鈥檚 students remained climate skeptics, many , with some even doing 鈥渁 180.鈥
The panel lasts from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., followed by a reception until 9 p.m. Attendees can , with a moderator asking questions during the event. The event will be live-streamed on The Patton College鈥檚 YouTube Channel.