The Pink Elephant in the Classroom: Pedagogical Techniques to Tackle Controversial Topics

controversial, poltics, religion

With increased globalization, automation, and communication, the world is rapidly changing, thereby posing new questions. In the US, these changes manifest in controversial ways, from political polarization to racial and/or religious discrimination, and therefore it may prove easier to avoid discussing such sensitive issues in the classroom. Using social and cognitive psychological concepts, educators can create an environment in which these controversial topics can be addressed in an informed, critical, and respectful manner in order to optimize student engagement and learning.

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