Teaching in Higher Ed Equip Students to Dialog Across Differences Using an AI Guide
Mar 6, 2025
Simon Cullen, a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University known for his 'Dangerous Ideas' course, and Nicholas DiBella, a postdoctoral fellow focusing on reasoning and uncertainty, discuss how to empower students to engage in constructive dialogue across differences. They introduce their neutral AI tool, Sway, aimed at fostering respectful discussions around polarizing topics. Cullen emphasizes confronting strong opposing arguments while DiBella highlights the importance of reflection in tough conversations, all aimed at enriching the educational experience.
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Dangerous Ideas Course
- Simon Cullen created the "Dangerous Ideas" course at CMU to address the challenging speech culture on campus.
- Students were self-censoring and avoiding controversial discussions due to fear of being ridiculed.
Unlearning and Trust
- Unlearning ingrained habits of avoiding difficult conversations is crucial for productive dialogue.
- Students often want to please teachers and will adopt the norms presented to them, whether it's critical analysis or respectful disagreement.
Family Meetings
- Nicholas DiBella instituted family meetings as a child to improve communication and address conflict within his family.
- This early experience highlighted the significance of open communication and active listening.
