In a statement from 1940, the AAUP acknowledged that colleges and universities exist to serve the “common good,” a mission that is contingent upon faculty and students having the academic freedom to “search for truth.” Conveniently, the skills that prepare students for rigorous academic study are also necessary for quality democratic engagement. Now more than ever it is critical that we teach our students to have transformative conversations in which they listen closely to others; ponder different viewpoints, including ones they find disagreeable; reflect on their thinking; and then (re)assess their thoughts.
In this workshop, we will discuss the 4Ds: debate, dialogue, discussion, deliberation. We will talk about the differences between the 4Ds and how to structure those conversations for the college classroom. We will discuss the strengths and limitations of each model and then work in groups to think about how the various conversation modes align with your learning goals. The big takeaway: the alternative to lecture is not just discussion.
Guest Speaker: Noreen Lape, Professor of Educational Studies at Dickinson College