B2 – Upper Intermediate
In 2015, The Pew Research Center conducted a survey on 38 countries to elicit their thoughts on freedom of speech. The results might come as a surprise, yet it is indeed very timely.
It is perhaps high time to open conversations on the importance of creating safe spaces and setting trigger warnings to protect students from learning materials or expressed opinions that might be troubling for them.
Listen to this podcast and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Discussion Questions:
- What are “safe space” and “trigger warning”? How are they important especially to students?
- What is your opinion on free speech at educational institutions?
- Are students free enough to express their opinions during class discussions?
- Should teachers be able to express their honest opinions on every matter or should they consider their students beliefs as well?
- Do you think the media in your country is able to report news freely?
- What may be the advantages of censorship?