Primary document for discussing our specific themes on and around World Day of Social Justice (20th February) The material has been created by Maria Silva
The theme of heroism
General Discussion Questions
1. How would you define the word "hero"?
2. What are some common attributes among people we classify as heroes?
3. Name some individuals you would classify as heroes, and explain why you believe each one is a hero.
4. Do you think heroes are "born" or "made"? Explain.
5. Visit the CNN Heroes website http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/ and read some of the heroes' profiles. Are there any stories that are especially inspiring to you? If so, talk about the contributions that these individuals are making to improve the lives of others and why they are inspirational.
It is very important to be able to distinguish villains from heroes.
Here are two cases of two men who were hailed as heroes in their countries although they were simply criminals.
The case of the Azeri killer: http://www.peopleofar.com/2012/09/05/protesters-in-hungary-ask-forgiveness-over-extradition/
The case of the Lockerbie bomber http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2009/08/21/outrage_as_lockerbie_bomber_hailed_in_libya.html
Character Education / Civics
Questions for Discussion and Reflection
1. What are some causes or issues that you feel passionate about?
2. Is there a small -- or not so small -- part that you could play to advance one of those causes or issues? How would you go about finding out what you can do?
3. What talents or skills do you have that could benefit someone who needs help?
4. What kind of a commitment could you make in order to improve someone else's life?
5. How would you measure the effectiveness of your effort?
Character Day resources http://www.letitripple.org/character/?utm_campaign=winterbreak14&utm_medium=email&utm_source=moxieinstitute
The themes of education and the environment
An American high school student gives her views on school and education. https://youtu.be/br1TOrdoli4
What's your "school manifesto"? Quesions for your refection.
Who are you (first name is enough), where are you from, what school are you attending?
What do you think of your school?
What engages you the most?
What changes would you like to see?
How do you learn best?
What is the purpose of education in the 21st century? (Washington Post article) http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2015/02/12/whats-the-purpose-of-education-in-the-21st-century/?utm_content=buffer169a9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
TakingItGlobal site http://issues.tigweb.org/environment and http://issues.tigweb.org/education
Big Thinkers on Education http://www.edutopia.org/big-thinkers
RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
Alan Watts breaks down what's wrong with the world (1970!)https://youtu.be/_LXiSPpfM54
What is Wrong With Our Culture [Alan Watts] https://youtu.be/YMDu3JdQ8Ow
J. Krishnamurti : Why don't You Change? https://youtu.be/WEIfMqM5wnM
Bertrand Russell's Message to the Future https://youtu.be/O8h-xEuLfm8
The Dalai Lama Talks About Compassion, Respect https://youtu.be/20MnLcOL7Ks