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Glite Dictionary
to teach the controversy

to teach the controversy

1 8.5
Present opposing views about a debated topic in schools
  • phrasal verb
  • /tiːtʃ ðə ˈkɒntrəvɜːrsi/
  • US
translation icon : enseñar la controversia
  • Unless, of course, "neutrality" has been redefined by politically devious people—mainly conservative people—to include canards like "teach the controversy."

Examples

  • Schools should teach the controversy regarding climate change to help students understand different perspectives.

  • Schools should teach the controversy in history.

    Blog text (21)

  • You know how the creationist crowd wants public schools to "teach the controversy"?

    Blog text (21)

  • This is also why creationists are comfortable with "teaching the controversy."

    Blog text (10)

  • Teaching Intelligent Design, and teaching the 'controversy', expands the authority of religion in the secular domain that is traditionally the province of science.

    Blog text (10)

  • Scientists and educators have strongly and consistently resisted ID advocates' call to "teach the controversy."

    Academic text (2005)

  • In debates about evolution, it's essential to teach the controversy to prepare students for real-world discussions.

  • Teachers are encouraged to teach the controversy in their classrooms, focusing on both sides of the argument.

Synonyms

to spark debate
vsto teach the controversy
2 3.7

To make people start talking and disagree about a topic

advocates showing opposing viewpoints in educational settings rather than just starting discussion
to spark a debate
vsto teach the controversy
1 3.7

To cause people to start a strong, lively discussion

advocates presenting opposing viewpoints in class instead of merely initiating debate
to spark heated debate
vsto teach the controversy
1 5.4

Cause strong arguments about a topic, often on public issues

advocates showing opposing viewpoints for study rather than provoking heated argument

Antonyms

to sidestep the controversy
1 6.8

To avoid talking about a controversial issue on purpose

How Controversial

to teach the controversy
  • US
1 8.5
multiview
6.7
to dialogize
  • Jargon
8.9

Surface Forms

teach the controversy infinitive

Morphology

teach + the + controversy

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'teach' (to instruct) with 'controversy' (a public disagreement): a learner who knows both words can infer it means to instruct about or present a disagreement/opposing viewpoints. Although the phrase carries a specific political/pedagogical connotation in some contexts, that pragmatic nuance does not prevent an average B1 learner from understanding the basic compositional meaning.

Etymology

The phrase teach the controversy comes from debates about what to include in school lessons. Imagine a teacher writing both sides of a disputed topic on the board—literally teach the controversy—so students hear opposing views. That's why it now means 'to present or encourage discussion of opposing viewpoints'.