People often group themselves according to political ideology, creating an us versus them mentality and judging people outside one's group harshly—even as enemies. We easily assume the worst about the motivations of those with whom we disagree on various social and political topics. Such polarization can interfere with open dialog and exploration of ideas and concepts, perhaps dampening intellectual curiosity and openness to intellectual diversity. Led by Dr. Scott Hall, this workshop is designed for educators who are willing to consider that an open, amicable approach toward polarized viewpoints has some positive implications for education.
The workshop includes information about the value of healthy conflict, seeking merit in seemingly paradoxical views, and foundational intuitions and assumptions that fuel diverse intellectual opinions. Attendees will also participate in an experiential activity exploring what they observe from a brief video documentary. Ultimately, the workshop content can be applied toward helping students increase their openness to learning from diverse perspectives and to value and navigate intellectual diversity.
Depolarizing Intellectual Diversity Among Students
Tuesdays, January 28th and February 4th, 2025
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Zoom
RSVP
Mondays, February 17th and February 24th, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 p.m., SC 310
RSVP
This session will be presented by Dr. Scott Hall as part of the faculty-led professional development series
Welcoming All Voices: Fostering Cultural and Intellectual Diversity.
Dr. Scott Hall is an instructor and researcher focused on families and children, with a passion for helping students understand the roots and consequences of diverse ideological perspectives. Dr. Hall believes that a university is an important and powerful setting for encouraging intellectual curiosity, enabled in part through valuing intellectual and ideological diversity.