Learning by Hearings
The Levin Center’s civic education program, Learning by Hearings, provides robust, experiential education opportunities where participants learn about history, government, and current events while developing their capacity for critical thinking and working with people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
Through our Learning by Hearings high school content modules and after-school program, we provide high school students an opportunity to experience what it’s like to conduct fact-based, bipartisan oversight hearings.
Find out more below!
Inside the Classroom
Our in-class modules include plans and materials for inquiry lessons and in-class simulations, using noteworthy congressional investigations to bring to life principles of accountable governance and historic figures central to the development of our democracy. These classroom modules are suitable for use in US Civics and US History classrooms and are aligned to the MI High School Content Expectations and the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards.
Classroom Resources
Background
One-page Flyer for Educators
Michigan Advance article on Learning by Hearings
Great Lakes Social Studies Journal on Learning by Hearings
Introduction to Learning by Hearings
Outside the Classroom
This mock legislative oversight hearing experience allows students to role-play a legislator engaged in the investigation of an incident or issue that matters to the public. Students are given the resources to prepare for and conduct a hearing. Using research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills, students will examine the scenario, question witnesses, and then collaborate to determine and share the facts and recommended solutions. All scenarios are based on hypothetical contemporary issues facing residents across the country.
"There may always be more to a story than what it seems. This role showed me that I can find out.”
Mock Oversight Hearing
Do you want to use our oversight experience in your after-school program? Get in touch to discuss our materials and download options!
Background
Program Brochure
Podcast Episode on Learning by Hearings’ extracurricular program
Video on Learning by Hearings’ extracurricular program
Upcoming Event
Check out our upcoming or recommended events. If you want to be the first to find out about upcoming events, sign-up to our newsletter or check back with this page!
March 14: Third Annual MiCivics Summit
Celebrate Civic Learning Week with the Learning by Hearings team and members of the MiCivics Coalition at the Third Annual MiCivics Summit. This year, the event will be held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. There will be sessions offered from 8am to 3pm for civic educators of all levels (K-12). If you have questions or if cost is a barrier, please reach out to the LbH team.
Stay Connected
Keep in touch with us! You can sign up to our civic education newsletter, follow us on social media, or connect with our civic education team.
Contact Us
Partner Content
Like our content and resources? In that case, you will also like our partners’ content – check out their resources below!
C-SPAN Series "Congress Investigates"
Congress Investigates is a 10-part American History TV series exploring some of the most significant investigations held by the House and Senate.
Our Partners
