CONTEMPORARY
ISSUES
L E S S O N 1 : THE
STUDY OF
CONTEMPORARY
ISSUES
IN THIS LESSON, YOU ARE EXPECTED
TO:
• explain the concept of contemporary issue;
• analyze the importance of having awareness regarding
contemporary issues in society and the world;
• identify primary and secondary sources, as well as statements of
fact, opinion, bias, inference, generalization, and conclusion when
investigating contemporary issues; and
• effectively analyze and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims, and
beliefs.
ACTIVITY
Our country is presently
beset with many problems
that can be considered as
contemporary issues. Can you
identify some of them? In the
boxes below, draw some
symbols depicting the issues.
WHICH OF THE ISSUES ABOVE ARE
OVERLY DISTURBING TO YOU? WHY?
THE CONCEPT OF CONTEMPORARY
ISSUE
• Contemporary - belonging to or occurring in the present;
living or occurring at the same time
• Contemporary world – the period from 20th century up to
present
• Contemporary history – the time between the 20th century
and the present
THE CONCEPT OF CONTEMPORARY
ISSUE
• Issue – refers to subjects, themes, or problems that affect the
society because they are talked about, are causes and bases
for people’s disagreements and debates, and are widely
affecting people’s lives in society.
THE CONCEPT OF CONTEMPORARY
ISSUE
• Contemporary Issue – refers to an event, idea, opinion,
topic, or problem that is relevant and in public discourse in
our community, our nation, or the world at present.
THE CONCEPT OF CONTEMPORARY
ISSUE
In order for an event or problem to be considered a
contemporary issue, it must be:
• important and valuable to society
• having a clear effect or influence on society or the population in
general
• happening at the present time
• about subject matters being talked about by various groups in
society
ANALYSIS OF A
CONTEMPORARY
ISSUE
ANALYSIS OF A CONTEMPORARY
ISSUE
I. SIGNIFICANCE AND SCOPE
II. EVIDENCE
III. PERSPECTIVE
IV.CONNECTIONS
V. REFLECTION
VI.IMPACT
VII.ACTION/PRAXIS
S K I L L S N E E D E D IN
THE STUDY OF
CONTEMPORARY
ISSUES
SKILLS NEEDED IN THE STUDY OF
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
1. Identifying Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary source – the origin of information is an original
account of happenings that was written or made by the person
who had experienced them.
Secondary sources – are information or interpretations based
on the primary origin or other secondary sources and prepared
or written by persons who are not involved in the narrated
events.
PRIMARY SOURCES
diaries
autobiographies
political cartoons
documents
speeches
photos
quotes from interviews
witness reports
personal accounts
drawings
letters
government reports
SECONDARY SOURCES
books
commentaries
biographies
encyclopedias
articles
news reports
editorials
hearsay reports
survey results
stories of non-witnesses
summaries of interviews
SKILLS NEEDED IN THE STUDY OF
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
2. Distinguishing Fact from Opinion
Fact – an actual event, experience, or observation that really
occurred and is supported by evidence or data.
Opinion – an idea, supposition, impression, or conjecture.
SKILLS NEEDED IN THE STUDY OF
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
3. Identifying Bias
Bias - prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or
group compared with another, usually in a way considered to
be unfair
• In analyzing information related to the social sciences, there is
a need to know that it does not favor anyone.
• The presentation of the information should be balanced.
• There is a need to present the good as well as the bad side of
an issue.
SKILLS NEEDED IN THE STUDY OF
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
4. Forming Inferences, Generalizations, and Conclusions
Inference – a thought-out theory or an educated guessabout
something.
Generalization – involves a mental process where one
connects information to make a summary statement.
Conclusion – a statement that describes relationship among
information or data after careful study, observation, and
analysis of important evidence or body of knowledge.
BY PAIR ACTIVITY #1
• Develop a list of statements about the issue you choose. Write
your own statements of fact, bias, inference, and
generalization.
Fact
1
2
3
4
Opinion
1
2
3
4
Bias
1
2
3
4
Inference
1
2
3
4
Generalization
1
2
3
4
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING CONTEMPORARY
ISSUES
I. IT CULTIVATES OUR PERSONAL ABILITIES AND SKILLS IN
LEARNING AND THINKING.
EXAMPLES:
1. Use of clear and meaningful knowledge about important events that
influences people, the community, the country and the world;
2. Analysis and evaluation of the cause-and-effect relationship of
events;
3. Use of technological services and different sources to gather
information
4. Use of different statistical approaches in analyzing quantitative data
about social events;
5. Investigation, analysis of data and different sources, and research;
6. Critical thinking, sound judgment, effective communication,
creativity, and widening of global perspective;
7. Deeper understanding and appreciation of collaborative
actions and response to global problems;
8. Respect for different beliefs, perspectives, or points of
view, even if they are contrary to one’s own beliefs and
perspectives;
9. Recognize the differences of each person’s culture, beliefs
and respect for their dignity and human rights;
10.Being mindful of personal preferences and being
considerate of other’s preference.
II. THE STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY ISSUES HELPS US TO
BECOME BETTER CITIZENS. IT DEVELOPS OUR:
1. Knowledge of our rights and responsibilities as a citizen;
2. Understanding and respect for laws and regulations that promote
unity, progress and peace;
3. Understanding the various aspects of problems and issues of the
society;
4. Appreciation of the collective actions as a nation and response to
the national and global problems;
5. Patriotism, humaneness, environment-friendliness to the world and
its inhabitants;
6. Pro-activeness in performing our duties at home, school and in the
community.