Just the Facts Please: Using empirical-based discussions to drive conflict-laden classroom conversations.

Keywords: Facts, Conflict, Classroom discussions

Abstract: In this roundtable session I am seeking a discussion amongst the participants about how to encourage students to discuss conflict-laden topics such as diversity and inclusion, by relying on empirical facts, instead of just their opinions, or innate ideas. The concept of empiricism is founded on the belief that an idea should be held, and discussed, when it is based on evidence, formed from data and experimentation (Forrest and Kaufmann, 2008). In the age of divisive social media and disinformation, professors need to be clear – just the facts, please. This session is focused on generating ideas on how to spark this effort in them with examples used by the author.