Abstract: Organizing scientific discussions on hot social issues in class is an important process to train university students′ rational thinking and to master a more comprehensive knowledge system. Based on our teaching experience, we developed a three-step discussion methodology. Firstly, we raised the questions through general discussion. Secondly, we guided students to read related literatures, and to draw scientific conclusions after a further in-depth debate. Thirdly, we took students to visit the related popular science education base to strengthen the conclusion from two rounds′ discussions. Such an approach will improve students′ ability to understand social issues comprehensively and to express their views scientifically.

Key words: hot social issues, discussion course, scientific argument, three-step discussion methodlogy