Once you have a good idea of what you and your readers think about the problem, consider how others have framed the problem and how you might be able to reframe it for your readers.
Ways In
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HOW HAS THE PROBLEM BEEN FRAMED? |
HOW CAN I REFRAME THE PROBLEM? |
| Sink or Swim Argument | Teaching Should Not Be Punitive Argument |
| Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course is wrong because students should do what they need to do to pass the course or face the consequences. That’s the way the system is supposed to work. | Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course assumes the purpose of education is learning, not testing for its own sake or punishing those who have not done well. |
| Don’t Reward Failure Argument | Encourage Success Argument |
| Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course is like a welfare system that makes underprepared students dependent and second-class citizens. | Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course encourages students to work hard and value doing well in school. |
| Reverse Discrimination Argument | Level Playing Ground Argument |
| Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course is unfair to the other students who don’t need assistance. | Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course is a way to make up for inadequacies in previous schooling. |
| Win-Lose Argument | Win-Win Argument |
| Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course ignores the fact that grades should fall on a bell curve—that is, an equal proportion of students should get an F as get an A. | Example: Providing tutoring for students who are failing a course assumes that it would be a good thing if every student earned an A. Providing tutoring enhances learning. |