Human Restoration Project Teaching Contentious Topics in a Divided Nation w/ Ryan Sprott
May 24, 2025
Ryan Sprott, an educator and author, shares his insights on teaching contentious topics through inquiry-based learning. He discusses the transformative experiences of students at the Texas-Mexico border, where they interacted with Border Patrol agents and immigrant advocates. Sprott emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking and respectful dialogue about complex issues. He also advocates for collaborative assessments and community engagement to empower students, creating a deeper understanding of social challenges in a divided nation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Efficiency Model Limits Inquiry
- Students across political spectrums are drawn to contentious topics and can handle complex issues.
- Efficiency-driven education stifles exploration and pushes premature conclusions on controversial subjects.
Deep Inquiry Despite Schedule Limits
- Ryan Sprott taught inquiry courses as extracurriculars, squeezed between regular classes.
- Despite limited time, students found these deep inquiry experiences more valuable than mainstream coursework.
Students Reflect on Lasting Impact
- Former students recalled deep impacts from Borderland Project experiences years later.
- Their reflections showed lasting personal growth and inspired career paths related to immigration and justice.
