For High School Educators

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.

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

We want to inspire students to value fact-finding, good governance, and bipartisan cooperation as well as to sharpen their investigative skills and their ability to engage in public policy debates with civility.  

Background

Program Brochure

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. 

Image of students in the courtroom smiling for the camera

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 

Featured Events

We regularly offer events, professional development opportunities, and presentations at conferences. Check our upcoming event below or visit the Levin Center calendar. 

Icon, dark green, calendar
  • Date: Oct. 24th, 2024
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
  • Cost: $15 
  • Target Audience: K-12 Social Studies Teachers

Inquiry Workshop with John Lee and Kathy Swan

Join the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy and our partners – Michigan Department of Education, Oakland Schools, Wayne RESA, and Macomb ISD – as we welcome John Lee and Kathy Swan, two authors of the C3 Framework and Inquiry Design Model for a very special professional learning opportunity.

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.

Newsletter Sign-up

Sign-up to our civic education newsletter to find out about new resources, professional development opportunities for teachers, upcoming conferences, and much more. 

Contact Us

Lauren Jasinski headshot for Levin Center

Lauren Jasinski

Civic Education Specialist 

ljasinski@wayne.edu

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