Spiritual_Wellness_Holistic_Health_and_the_Practic

302 Philosophical Foundations of Health Education
it, is it, will it be true? ” or propositions of values, or evaluative claims related to the
question “ of what worth is it? ”
Toulmin Argumentation Model
Stephen Toulmin ’ s classic model has been widely used to plan and structure the elements
of a logical, though parsimonious and compelling argument. The students
reviewed the model and adapted portions of it to plan their own persuasive strategies.
The elements were helpful for assisting students with specifying the claims they were
making, the data they were providing, the warrant (the justification for why the data
support the claim), and the possible rebuttals to the claim, which, if the issue is controversial,
inoculate the audience by anticipating possible objections and offering persuasive
and disarming counterarguments.
Test for Sources of Evidence
Students used multiple sources to support their claims that would best appeal to the
legislators. Suggested tests for determining the quality and quantity of evidence
included the reliability test (Is the source objective and competent?), the recency test
(Is the information current?), the completeness test (Are as many sources as possible
used?), and the accuracy test (Is the information redundant and verifiable?).
POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
Legislative Observation
Some students were able to participate in the trip to the state capital. This experience
provides insight into legislative activities by giving students opportunities to interact
with local and state politicians, participate in select political activities, actively support
a political agenda/bill, and demonstrate good communication skills suitable in a
political environment. The following components are integral to this experience:
(1) discussion about practical aspects of the political process, such as presentation of
information to politicians, key sources, tracking proposed bills, and advocacy;
(2) selection and support of a public health issue that may be affected by proposed legislation;
(3) discussions with local and state political leaders about the politicians ’
experiences, how to effectively present the issue to a legislator, and their view of the
critical issues facing politicians; (4) participation in select local - level political and
legislative activities, such as the “ Governor ’ s Conference on Children ” ; and (5) participation
in select state - level political and legislative activities, including a trip to the
state capitol with a faculty member and former state representative that involves
participation in a statewide “ Healthy Baby Day ” and enables students to attend committee
meetings, observe the House or Senate, and speak with individual legislators
and/or their aides about a public health issue.