Introduction
Understanding the significance of presidential approval ratings is a critical aspect of American politics and history. In this article, we will explore methods to teach students about President Barack Obama’s approval rating, its fluctuations throughout his presidency, and the factors that led to those changes.
1. Establishing a foundation
Begin by providing students with a background on approval ratings. Explain that they are a measure of the public’s opinion on a president’s job performance, typically expressed as a percentage. Discuss how past presidents’ approval ratings have been influenced by factors like economic conditions, major legislative achievements, and international events.
2. Introducing President Obama’s approval rating
Introduce students to President Obama’s approval rating by showing them graphs that depict its trends over time. Highlight significant events during his presidency, such as the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the killing of Osama bin Laden, and various instances of domestic unrest (e.g., protests in Ferguson, Missouri). Discuss how these events may have impacted public opinion on his job performance.
3. Analyzing factors that influenced Obama’s approval rating
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific event or policy from President Obama’s time in office. Instruct them to research and analyze how that event or policy affected his approval rating. Encourage students to not only look at approval ratings before and after the event but also to consider any long-term implications.
4. Comparative analysis with other presidents
Help students gain perspective by comparing President Obama’s approval ratings with those of other presidents. Analyze trends and similarities across various historical periods and discuss how specific events or periods affected different presidencies.
5. Encouraging critical thinking
Encourage students to think critically about what drives change in public opinion. For instance, what aspects of an event or policy might make it more likely to affect a president’s approval rating? How do media portrayal and political biases factor into the public’s perception of a president’s job performance?
6. Conducting a class debate
Organize a class debate where students will argue for and against certain actions or policies that affected President Obama’s approval rating. This will help them better understand the complexities of public opinion and gain valuable communication skills.
7. Assessing student understanding
Evaluate students’ understanding of the subject by administering quizzes, assigning written reports, or asking them to create their presentations on specific events or policies that influenced Obama’s approval rating.
Conclusion
Teaching students about President Obama’s approval rating is an excellent way to help them understand the complexities of politics, public opinion, and how various factors can impact a president’s perceived job performance. By incorporating engaging activities like debates and group projects, educators can create an interactive and thought-provoking learning experience for their students.
