When students use new information, prior knowledge and their own experiences to debate a topic, generate a solution to a problem, or generate an opinion, we call this grappling. This practice asks the teacher to facilitate a higher level of thinking from students by posing a problem or question and presenting resources that challenge students to explore more than one solution or answer. The intended outcome of grappling is that students learn about the topic from a variety of perspectives, ask questions, generate their own opinions, and are able to defend their responses.

• Determine the bigger problem or question you want students to study and grapple with (using the state standards as your starting place)
• Research the topic and think about the possible solutions/answers to your problem or question. Gather resources that will give students background knowledge. Ask yourself: What information/resources would a student need to effectively grapple with the topic, question, or problem?
• Present the problem or question to students.
• Communicate expectations to students by sharing how they will be assessed.
• Guide student exploration by providing focused research, guiding questions, learning activities, and/or experiences. Be sure you present opportunities for students to arrive at more than one solution or answer. (See learning activity suggestions to the right)
• Assess student learning. Types of assessment can include written responses and:
  • Models
  • Generate a movie/documentary
  • Craft an editorial
  • Test the solution
  • Write a letter to share opinions/ideas
  • Start a campaign
  • Role play