Lauren C. Bell, an expert in political science, Allison Rank from SUNY-Oswego, and Carah Ong Whaley, Vice President of Election Protection at Issue One, delve into the art of teaching civic engagement amidst division. They explore creative strategies for inclusive classroom discussions and the importance of fostering dialogue among students with diverse views. Their insights reveal how hands-on projects can re-ignite student motivation and connections between academia and community, aiming to enhance civic responsibility in today’s polarized environment.
Recognizing political divisions in civics teaching helps educators frame discussions and prepare students for diverse viewpoints.
Building trust through genuine partnerships between academic institutions and communities enhances the effectiveness of civic engagement projects.
Deep dives
Strategies for Civic Engagement in Polarized Settings
Class discussions about public policy in politically polarized environments can be challenging. One effective strategy highlighted is the importance of naming political divisions as part of the civics teaching challenge. This recognition allows educators to better frame discussions and prepare students for engaging with diverse viewpoints. By fostering an understanding of these differences, educators can create a more inclusive and constructive civic space.
Inclusion of Diverse Perspectives in Education
The contributors to the discussed volume highlighted the selection process aimed at gathering a variety of perspectives on civic engagement. An open call for participation helped ensure that not only political scientists were represented but also voices from student affairs and diverse academic backgrounds. This inclusivity extended to collaborations between faculty members and students, enriching the discourse. The goal was to create a multifaceted resource that reflects the complexities of civic engagement amid current political challenges.
Building Trust with Communities through Engagement
Trust-building between academic institutions and communities is crucial for successful civic engagement projects. Educators emphasized the need for genuine partnerships, where the focus is on addressing community needs rather than mere data collection. By establishing mutual respect and participatory collaborations, faculty can create impactful educational experiences for students. This approach not only enhances student learning but also ensures that community partners benefit from both knowledge and practical outcomes.
Increasing Student Engagement through Active Learning
Engaging students meaningfully in civic projects can significantly enhance their motivation and connection to academic work. Educators are increasingly implementing active learning strategies where students participate in real-world civic activities, such as advocacy and community engagement. These hands-on experiences allow students to see the direct impact of their work, fostering intrinsic motivation. Moreover, integrating civic projects into various disciplines can enhance students' skills while simultaneously promoting community involvement, thereby enriching the educational experience.
Class discussions of public policy issues can be challenging in our politically polarized environment. In this episode, Lauren C. Bell, Allison Rank, and Carah Ong Whaley join us to discuss a new resource that suggests a variety of strategies that encourage students to address their differences and to engage productively in civic engagement projects.
Allison is an Associate Professor of American Politics and chair of the Department of Politics here at SUNY-Oswego. Lauren is the inaugural James L. Miller Professor of Political Science and Associate Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs at Randolf-Macon College. Carah is the Vice President of Election Protection at Issue One and is a co-chair of the American Political Science Association’s Civic Engagement section and a member of the APSA’s Civic Engagement Committee. Allison, Lauren, and Carah are editors of Civic Pedagogies: Teaching Civic Engagement in an Era of Divisive Politics, which was recently released by Springer.