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Critical Thinking Web Site Presents Pros and Cons on Social Issues

ProCon.org, the largest known provider of "pro and con" research on controversial issues, has reached over 5,000 schools in all 50 states and 66 countries.

Educators appreciate ProCon.org's ability to develop critical thinking skills by presenting both sides of key social issues such as Obamacare, alternative energy, illegal immigration, gay marriage and more. 

"Many people just don't have the time, money or skill to sift facts from bias and gather all the quality information they need to make better decisions," said Steve Markoff, founder, CEO and chairman of ProCon.org. "Thankfully, educators across the country recognize this problem and use ProCon.org as their antidote to bias so that future generations can be more informed citizens."

Pat Houlton, English teacher at Spring Valley High School in Spring Valley, WI, said she has her students use ProCon.org as a starting point for their problem-and-solution essays. 

"Many students choose larger state or national issues, and procon.org offers reliable, academic information that helps students begin to understand their topic and take an informed approach in writing their persuasive essays."

Indiana Teacher of the Year 2012, Melanie Park, also uses it in her classroom and said it's an "incredible resource to help my sixth-grade students find information for their argumentative essays."

"I appreciate the easy-to-follow format and nonpartisan stance," she added. 

The resource can also be useful in the library.

"I use it every single year, because every single year there are multiple point-of-view papers or Pro-Con projects or persuasive essays," said Susie Dunbar, librarian at Desert Ridge High School in Gilbert, Arizona. "As the librarian, it is part of my PowerPoint for how to use databases and trustworthy Web sites."

ProCon is a nonprofit, public charity whose mission is to encourage critical thinking, education and informed citizenship. ProCon's Web site is free of charge and requires no registration.


Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor
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