Dialogic Pedagogy for Civic Engagement: Progressive Learning of Intergroup Dialogue

Dialogic Pedagogy for Civic Engagement: Progressive Learning of Intergroup Dialogue

Dr. Karla ScottDr. Amber JohnsonDr. Jennifer OhsCaity YoungeDani ColyerSaint Louis University

What is Dialogue? An Introduction

Safe Spaces v. Brave SpacesA space free from harm or riskA comfortable space Not a guarantee (ever)Civil controversyOwn your intent and impactRespect is complexChallengePractice MindfulnessEmbrace DiscomfortMeet at the learning edgeOwn your experiences and accountability

The Role of Social Identity

My Identi-Tree ExerciseDiscussion QuestionsPart 1: SaliencyWhich elements of your identity are most salient to you (most aware of)? Which ones do you think about least?Did anything surprise you as you were completing your identitree? Which branch on your tree do you think may be the biggest surprise to others?What were your earliest memories about some of these elements of your own identity? What are situations where your less salient identities do come out? How do you feel when those identities become salient to you? (e.g. feelings of discomfort? Pride?)

Part 2: Agent Group vs. Target Group

Which of these elements do you think have the biggest impact on how others perceive you, either positively or negatively?Which of these elements have an effect on your own decision-making?Which elements of your identity are privileged/agent/dominant group memberships (access to power, economic control, provide standards and norms)? Which ones are targeted group memberships (face disadvantages, differential treatment, lack power and influence)? What are your feelings and thoughts?

Understanding Privilege

Practicing Dialogue

DebateGoalDefeat others positions

CharacteristicsLook for weaknessEmphasize disagreementAdvocate one perspective or opinionSearch for flaws in reasoning

Judge other viewpoints as inferior, invalid, or distortedDialogueDiscussionGoalPersuade others while avoiding conflict

CharacteristicsSeek answers and solutions

Persuade othersSolve our own and others problems

Give answers

Achieve preset goalsGoalListen to and understand each other

CharacteristicsLook for shared meaningFind places of agreementAllow for and invite differences of opinion and experienceAsk questions and invite inquiryDiscover collective meaningAdapted from Tanya Kachwaha (2002), Huan-Nissan (1999) & Consultant/Trainers Southwest (1992)

DebateGoalDefeat others positions

CharacteristicsListen with a view of counteringDiscount the validity of feelingsFocus on conflict and difference as advantageDisregard relationshipsUse silence to gain advantage DialogueDiscussionGoalPersuade others while avoiding conflict

CharacteristicsListen for places of disagreementTry to avoid surfacing feelingsAvoid areas of strong conflict and differenceRetain relationshipsAvoid silence GoalListen to and understand each other

CharacteristicsListen without judgment and with a view to understandValidate others experiences and feelingsArticulate areas of conflict and differenceBuild relationshipsHonor silenceAdapted from Tanya Kachwaha (2002), Huan-Nissan (1999) & Consultant/Trainers Southwest (1992)

Facilitating Dialogue in Communication Courses

Sample Class Activities First Impressions Web of OppressionIdentity StarsMedia Critique ProjectZines

Peer FacilitatorsThe Role of a Peer FacilitatorChallenges to Peer FacilitatingRewards from Peer Facilitating

Intergroup Dialogue: The SLU Model

SLU Progressive Model

First Year Dialogue: A discussion-based course designed to merge elements of first-year experience, college student transitions, and intergroup dialogue pedagogy; Using communication theory, the course engages students in dialogue processes to explore personal and social identities and determine how the identities impact the experience as a SLU student.

Intergroup Dialogue: Provides a space for discussion and learning about issues of cultural and social differences, conflict, and community; Students explore their own and others' social identities and ways of taking action to create change and bridge differences at both the interpersonal and the social/ community levels.

Training: Facilitation of Dialogue

Practicum: Facilitation of Dialogue

Clip: Dialogue at Saint Louis University

First Year Dialogue: Course ObjectivesArticulate key concepts and theories within the field of communication associated with dialogue.

Define personal values and beliefs that influence the decision to attend college.

Describe personal and social identities.

Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with those different from self.

Describe the differences and similarities of experiences and perspectives across social identities.

Critically reflect upon personal responsibility to the University community.

Examine personal, social, and societal transitional factors affecting first-year college students.

Develop skills in critical inquiry and analysis through written assignments and in-class discussions.

First Year Dialogue: Sample AssignmentsTestimonial

Analysis PapersHot TopicsIntergenerational Interview

Dialogue Project

First Year Dialogue: Course OutcomesCompared to the start of the semester86% increase: Students reported a stronger ability to identify, recognize, and understand how personal values and beliefs affect various aspects of life.

80% increase: Students expressed more confidence in using multiple communication processes. Most noted were: examining the source of biases & assumptions, making mistakes and reconsidering opinions, being able to disagree, and appreciating experiences different self.

90% increase: Students expressed stronger consideration for how personal and social identities impact experiences of those similar to and different from self.

First Year Dialogue: Course OutcomesAfter the course93%Students expressed an ability to interact positively with those who have differing views on social issues.

83% Students agreed they learned to effectively work through conflict.

Skills gainedOverall Skill Development: Understanding Others, Learning from Others, Hearing Different Points of View, Appreciating Experiences Different from Self

Self-Awareness: Thinking about Issues not Previously Considered, Examining the Sources of own Bias and Assumptions, Making Mistakes and Reconsidering My Opinions

Dialogic Skills: Speaking Openly without Feeling Judged, Being able to Disagree, Working through Disagreements and Conflict

First Year Dialogue: Course Outcomes"I feel like I'm already oppressed, being at SLU lets me embraces that about myself rather than pretend that they aren't real problems.

"Being in the majority of lots of [identities], I have to work extra hard to be aware of the SLU experience of others."

Saint Louis University Intergroup Dialogue Peer Facilitator Training Fall 2016Session 1: September 17 Saturday Retreat Why do we do this? What is the backstory?Welcome, introductions and overview 10-10:30 Ice Breaker 10:30-10:50What is Intergroup Dialogue? power point 10:50-11:00 Dialogue/debate/discussion 11:00-11:30Dialogue training guidelines (Develop& post)11:30-11:45Comfort safety and learning edges 11:45-12:15Triggers 12:15-12:30Lunch 12:30-1:00 The Art of Listening 1:00-1:30Key concepts/language 1:30-2:00Social identity profile 2:00-2:30Oppression dynamics & Cycle of socialization 2:30-3:00Break 10 minsFour corners with debrief 3:15-4:00Interest in IGD; hopes & fears 4:00-4:30Facilitator personal assessment chart 4:30-5:00

Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator Training ScheduleFall 2016Session 2: Monday September 26 The Intergroup Dialogue modelStages of Intergroup dialogue developmentAnatomy of dialogueTriggersSession 3: Monday 10/3The role of the facilitatorFoundations of facilitation; principles & guidelinesFacilitator roles: guiding, empowering & attending the processCommunicating: Body language, vocabulary & silenceSession 4: Wednesday 10/10 Who is in the room and why does it matter? Balancing social power in dialogueManaging ConflictPrivilege Walk

Session 4: Wednesday 10/19Common activities in IGDCaucus ActivityFishbowlWeb of OppressionManaging hot topicsSession 5: Monday 10/24Reflections, responses and moving forwardMore on hot topicsDebrief of trainingClosing thoughtsFeedback

Intergroup Dialogue CourseSample SyllabusImpact, Assessment and Research on OutcomesThe Intergroup Dialogue Institute at MichiganThe SLU ModelKey Differences and Challenges

Readings for Diversity