Betsy Barre, Assistant Provost and Executive Director at Wake Forest University, offers insights on the intersection of moral and political philosophy in education. She discusses the challenge educators face in navigating neutrality while encouraging open dialogue in the classroom. Barre emphasizes the ethical implications of sharing personal beliefs and highlights the need for transparency in grading practices. Additionally, she addresses the significance of integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into business ethics education, underscoring the complexities of teaching in politically diverse settings.
Educators face the challenge of balancing personal beliefs and neutrality in classroom discussions while maintaining a safe space for diverse opinions.
Intellectual humility is essential for teachers to acknowledge differing views, fostering richer classroom dialogues despite the risk of perceived indoctrination.
Institutional context significantly influences teaching approaches, requiring educators to adapt their strategies based on the unique backgrounds and expectations of their students.
Deep dives
Exploring Neutrality in Education
The podcast discusses the complex issue of neutrality in teaching, particularly in politically charged subjects such as philosophy and religious studies. Educators often grapple with whether to reveal their personal beliefs or remain neutral, as the hidden curriculum often discourages sharing opinions. Betsy Berry recounts her own early commitment to keeping her views private while teaching religion, sharing experiences where students worked hard to uncover her beliefs. This highlights the tension between maintaining neutrality and fostering open dialogue, as the difficulty lies in balancing honesty with the potential for perceived indoctrination.
Addressing Indoctrination Concerns
Concerns about indoctrination in the classroom are examined, particularly how educators fear being labeled as partisan or prejudiced. Betsy notes that teachers often feel anxiety around their political viewpoints influencing their teaching, especially in an increasingly divisive political climate. She emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility, encouraging teachers to acknowledge differing opinions and to create a safe space for students to engage critically with controversial topics. The conversation encourages educators to embrace vulnerability, recognizing that disagreements can lead to richer classroom discussions.
Practical Approaches to Ethical Teaching
The episode also highlights practical strategies for teaching ethically while navigating personal beliefs. Betsy suggests that educators should clarify their viewpoints in a way that allows for constructive criticism and discourse, rather than dogmatism. This includes establishing clear expectations for assignments and grading, which can help manage potential biases. Such practices promote transparency in the classroom and empower students to express diverse perspectives.
The Importance of Contextual Understanding
Betsy discusses that the landscape of education is fraught with varying institutional missions, which impact how teachers engage with their subjects. This context requires educators to adapt their approaches based on the specific environment and student composition. For instance, teaching in a religiously affiliated institution presents unique challenges and necessitates a nuanced understanding of students' backgrounds. By recognizing these differences, educators can foster inclusive dialogues while being mindful of their institutional responsibilities.
Enhancing Engagement Through Transparency
The dialogue emphasizes the critical role of transparency in class discussions and grading practices. By openly communicating the rationale behind assignments and ethical frameworks, instructors can help mitigate misunderstandings regarding their teaching methods. Betsy points out that fostering an environment where students feel safe to share their thoughts—even if they differ from the instructor's views—can enhance the overall learning experience. This level of engagement allows for richer discussions around important societal issues while navigating the complex terrain of academic freedom and responsibility.
Betsy Barre discusses the times when we are holding our breath while holding class on episode 548 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
I think we could be more generous when we talk to people who disagree with us about pedagogy and recognize the complexity of the decisions that we’re making.
-Betsy Barre
There’s been a lot of really somewhat heated discourse about whether it’s appropriate to share your views in class, or if that’s a violation of your responsibilities.
-Betsy Barre