Purpose:

A Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) is a type of cooperative learning strategy in which small teams of students learn about a controversial issue from multiple perspectives. The structured academic controversy technique is designed to engage students in controversy and then guide them to seek consensus.

Teacher Note:

If you need additional assistance in conducting a Structured Academic Controversy in your classroom, consult this guide from the National History Education Clearinghouse or this guide from the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College.

Directions:

1. Form cooperative teams of 3- 4.
2. Define the issue or problem and identify the two positions.
3. Assign each team a unique position, if possible.
4. Each team researches their position and articulates the main ideas and details.
5. Questions go back and forth among the teams.
6. Each team switches perspectives, summarizes the others’ positions.
7. All teams come together to state a consensus position, based on information and perspectives of each team.
8. Each individual writes a justified personal opinion as to which position to support.