Intervening to Tackle Polarization in and Through Education: What Paradigms, What Merits?

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Responding to polarization in educational settings is an important aspect of cultivating equitable and inclusive education systems for the 21st century. This session brings together research that analyses situations of conflict, controversy and hostility as experienced and tackled in educative contexts in a diversity of countries (the US, Israel and the Netherlands). It asks ‘What is the current state of knowledge in countering these conflicts, controversies and hostilities?’. In an era marked by the impact of fake news, mainstreaming of populist far-right ideas, increasing impact of extremism, addressing the challenges posed by polarization in educational settings gains new urgency. How research can contribute to the discussion about effectivity and innovation of approaches in this area is guiding for this session.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Peace Education

Chair

• Semiha Sözeri, Utrecht University

Papers

• Review of Interventions to Counter Polarization in Educational Settings: An Analysis of "What Works"? - Mariette Haan De, Utrecht University; Semiha Sözeri, Utrecht University

• Can Common Denominators Be Controversial? Jewish and Muslim Students' Reactions to Learning About Interfaith Relations - Tsafrir Goldberg, University of Haifa

• From Collective Memory to Significant Historical Event: Teaching 9/11 20 Years Later - Jeremy D. Stoddard, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Brokers of Multiperspectivity in History Education in Post-Conflict Societies - Devon Abbey, Groningen Institute for Educational Research; Björn Wansink, Utrecht University

• Using Eyewitnesses to Promote Students' Empathy in the History Classroom - Hanneke Bartelds, Amsterdam University; Geerte Maria Savenije, University of Amsterdam; Jannet Van Drie, University of Amsterdam; Carla Van Boxtel, University of Amsterdam