Students Discussing Civic Issues Online with Politically Diverse Peers: Fostering Open-Minded Political Engagement

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Abstract

This study examines how young people can become more politically open-minded and politically engaged by discussing civic issues among peers with diverse geographic, demographic, and political backgrounds. In this design-based study, we worked with eight high school teachers in three heavily Democratic, three heavily Republican, and two politically heterogenous districts to develop seven discussion-based lessons about civic issues. During the fall 2024 semester, these teachers enacted these lessons in their classrooms, and their students were then invited to participate in follow-up Zoom-based discussions with students from all schools in the study. Our analyses of data from student surveys, written reflections, and Zoom call chats indicate that greater participation in the Zoom calls supported students’ increased political engagement and political open-mindedness.

Authors

• Brett L. M. Levy, University at Albany - SUNY

• Alina Lewis, University at Albany - SUNY

• Christopher Wegemer, University of California - Los Angeles