My sustainability class just finished a module about disinformation. I had them write me a letter assuming they were flunking and arguing that they deserve an A, using the techniques of disinformation we discussed, like cherry picking, false experts and ad hominem. HOO-boy. 1/n
I encouraged them to use ad hominem, for entertainment value. The students read their letters aloud. Wackiness ensued, with much applause. (I led the applause — it was funny!) They used every tool, but they really took to ad hominem attacks. 2/n
The exercise is by Melanie Trecek-King (@ThinkingPowers), and based on the "Cranky Uncle" disinformation game by @johnfocook and colleagues. crankyuncle.com
This student did a good job of setting impossible expectations, but his ad hominem attack was a thing of beauty 5/n
@jswatz @johnfocook I’m so glad your students enjoyed the activity! It’s such a fun way to learn fallacies. Thanks for sharing 😊 If anyone is interested, I wrote up the activity for educators on my website: thinkingispower.com/please-dont-fa…
@jswatz @ThinkingPowers @johnfocook Respectfully, what did your students learn?
@jswatz @ThinkingPowers @johnfocook John Cook is great!