Plain Dealer Reporter Discusses Lead Issues at CSU Town Hall

Plain Dealer reporter Brie Zeltner addressed Cleveland State University students at a town hall on December 1, 2016 about lead poisoning, an issue that Zeltner reported on at length in the Plain Dealer's "Toxic Neglect" series.

The communications students participated as part of a class project about lead poisoning, which was the Fall 2016 Public Sphere Pedagogy (PSP) topic. The class is taught by Preofessor Ed Horowitz, an active participant in PSP projects.

PSP is a CSU Office of Civic Engagement program which is rooted in the belief that students learn best through experience, where the student plays an active role in his or her education. Students approach their classroom assignments through the prism of an identified contemporary public issue. Selected faculty work as a team to identify opportunities within the current class structure to included concepts and assignments related to the public issue. Participating faculty are provided with sample lessons and guidance from the public sphere pedagogy planning team.

The culmination of the class's research on the topic of lead was a town hall discussion, with guest speaker Brie Zeltner. The students also presented their research to their peers, with some preparing videos, pamphlets and websites or social media accounts created to spread awareness about lead issues in Cleveland. Community members also attended and interacted with students on the topic.

The Spring 2017 topic will explore the legacy of civic leaders Carl and Louis Stokes. Faculty interested in participating should contact Julian Rogers. Director of Community Partnerships, at j.a.rogers@csuohio.edu. 

Read more about the Public Sphere Pedagogy here.