Should Versus Would: Online Discussion Boards in University Spanish Classes to Encourage Empathetic Perspective-Taking

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Critical Educators for Social Justice Poster Session

Abstract

Research suggests over the past 30 years, there has been a decrease in American university students’ empathy in two areas: Empathetic concern and perspective taking (Konrath, O’Brien, & Hsing, 2011). The Spanish classroom is a logical site to attempt to improve these areas of empathy, as dehumanizing language in the greater sociopolitical climate can foster negative sentiments and hostility towards Latinx immigrants (Smith, 2011). Therefore, this qualitative multi-case study explored how novice-intermediate level students of Spanish at the university level grappled with an empathetic understanding of complex sociopolitical issues experienced by Latinx communities. Findings revealed both shared and conflicting beliefs and viewpoints on sociopolitical issues raised in online discussion boards with consistent evidence of students grappling with contradictory values.

Authors

• Erin Gilreath Carlson, University of South Carolina

• Stephanie M. Madison, Clemson University