by LaVonne K. Wahl

One technique that I use in my Mass Media class is a group exam in which several scenarios are presented to students relating to ethical and legal issues in various contexts. Some of the scenarios include the banning of books in schools, an art exhibit that is found objectionable to many, music with profane and violent lyrics, movies that have been used in criminal cases as "evidence" for violent acts, television shows that contain sexually explicit scenes, etc.

Students are allowed to work together, debate and discuss the issues surrounding the different scenarios, and respond with one page essays for each situation. The responses must be congruent with existing laws; however, most of the ethical issues do not necessarily have a right or wrong answer.

Consequently, assessing the essays relates to the manner in which the responses are supported by way of sound rationale, and in this way critical thinking is promoted in their work. Students must also work together and use effective decision making skills in deciding how they will reach a group decision regarding their stand on the issue. They are encouraged to reach consensus, but if consensus is not possible, they must evaluate and analyze group members' positions, then decide as a group how to approach their one page essay. If consensus cannot be reached, they must fully describe and explain the positions of all factions of the group.