Learning by Hearings

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

Michigan Advance article on Learning by Hearings

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 Event

Check out our most recent event. If you want to be the first to find out about upcoming events, sign-up to our newsletter or check back with this page!

Inquiry Workshop with John Lee and Kathy Swan

With our partners – the Michigan Department of Education, Oakland Schools, Wayne RESA, and Macomb ISD – we were delighted to welcome John Lee and Kathy Swan, two authors of the C3 Framework and Inquiry Design Model for an all-day professional learning opportunity. 

Missed it?   You can still access our 1-hour introductory webinar by John Lee and Kathy Swan. Click below!

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

Partner Content

Like our content and resources? In that case, you will also like our partners’ content – check out their resources below!

Icon depicting two hands shaking

C-SPAN Series "Congress Investigates"

Congress Investigates is a 10-part American History TV series exploring some of the most significant investigations held by the House and Senate. 

Our Partners