CONTEMPORARY ISSUE
Definition of a Contemporary Issue
An event, idea, opinion topic or problem that is relevant and in public discourse in our community, our nation or the world at present
What makes events or problems a contemporary issue?
Important and valuable to the society
Having a clear effect or influence on society or the population in general
Happening at the present time
About subject matters being talked about by various groups in society
Why Study Contemporary Issues?
Helps individuals become more aware of global and local challenges.
Emotional bias should be minimized to maintain objectivity.
Collaboration and communication
Open-mindedness and respect for diverse perspectives
Promotes critical thinking and empathy toward others.
Skills needed in the Study of Contemporary Issues
Identifying Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary Source: original account of happenings that was written or made by the person who had experienced them. Ex: autobiographies, journals, legal documents, letters, photos.
Secondary Source: information or interpretations based on primary origin or other secondary sources and prepared or written by people who are not involved in the narrated events. Ex: biographies, editorials, commentaries, survey reports, stories of non-witnesses.
Distinguishing Fact from Opinion
Fact: an actual event, experience or observation that really occurred and is supported by evidence or data.
Opinion: expresses the mind and ideas of a person regarding the expressed truth.
Identifiying Bias
Bias: inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair.
Forming Inferences, Generalization and Conclusion
Inferences: Thought-out theory or educated guess about something
Generalization: Involves a mental process where one connects information to make a summary content
Conclusion: Describes the relationship among information or data after careful study, observation, and analysis of important evidence or body data