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Debate, Critical Thinking, And Civic Education: Why No One Should Give Up On Burma, Joseph Zompetti

eJournal of Public Affairs

I traveled to Myanmar to instruct indigenous NGOs in critical thinking and democracy promotion. In this paper, I examine the political and cultural context of Myanmar before and after the 2010 elections. Fortunately, given the democratic initiatives since the 2010 election, the activists and organizations with whom I worked are now safely advocating for ongoing reforms and are free from persecution. Specifically, I discuss the training curriculum I presented, and how debate and critical thinking pedagogy help influence the democratic impulses of concerned citizens in Myanmar. I believe this reflection is worthwhile for anyone interested in debate, critical thinking, citizenship, …