From Listening and Speaking to Taking Action: University Student Profiles in Conflict Resolution

• In Event: Activist Stance in an Uncertain Educational Future: Foreground Personal, Develop Sense of Place, Build Context

Abstract

Objectives or purposes
The best hope for our uncertain educational future is authentic dialogue, whether at school, home, or work. Civilization asks much of its members, especially with regard to facing challenging emotional episodes and translating them into action. At any given point in a learning experience or at whatever stage of cultural adjustment in which citizens find themselves, there always have been and always will be a need for creating safe spaces in which everyone can confront challenging experiences, be heard, and take action. I will share experiences with complex cross-cultural communication by focusing on deliberation strategies that are grounded in the age-old approach called Craft of Council.
Perspective(s) or theoretical framework This work is guided by the foundational imperative of flexible ways in which to promote “communion and communication” (Avery, 2019) through a balance of listening and speaking (Halifax, 2003; Coates, R., Umbreit, M., & Vos, B., 2003; Pranis, 2005) and taking informed action (C3 Framework, NCSS, 2013; Zen Peacemakers International, 2017).
Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry This participatory action research (Friere, 1982) builds on prior work with a colleague that collected profiles of expeditionary learning that centered the Craft of Council (Halifax, 2003). The ongoing investigation includes the study of pre-service teachers’ development with communion and communication during student teaching in a highly polarized political context. I will use the Soapbox Project (Ando,ina & Conklin, 2018) as a catalyst with 35 pre-service teachers in the fall of 2022 to push beyond the Council to a taking informed action stance.
Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials Data sources will include a survey, field notes, and focus groups.
Results and/or substantiated conclusions or warrants for arguments/point of viewFrom our pilot profiles, we know that the high degree of unsolicited student calls for the use of Council to address contemporary issues, whether in-county or out, attests to its viability and flexibility. Findings from this study will push further to next steps of taking action.
Scientific or scholarly significance of the study or work This study will add to the literature on teaching hard topics, the critical role of deliberation in public education, and the barriers to taking informed action.

Author

• Nancy C. Patterson, Bowling Green State University
  Presenting Author