How can higher education play a role in addressing a tribal divisiveness that threatens our society?
“The remedy already exists in the high impact learning of education abroad which, at its best, embodies the democratic principles of pluralism and individualism.”
That’s according to an article just published in University World News, co-authored by Dr William Durden, chair of the Board of Trustees at the University, and Dr Brian Whalen, International Education Leadership Fellow at the University at Albany in the US.
In the article, the question is posed, ‘How can we educate students to embrace pluralism when it is threatened daily by the affective polarisation that divides us from each other?’
“An education abroad experience provides an ideal learning opportunity to expose students to perspectives that are different from their own and to encourage them to be aware of the relative nature of these perspectives.”
“The respect that students develop for cultural differences can enlighten them about the value and beauty of American pluralism.”
“At a time when Americans view each other primarily by which group they belong to, the education abroad experience can serve as a powerful reminder that students are autonomous individuals who possess the agency, resources and knowledge to navigate the world in unique ways.”
The article suggest that some ‘Framing elements should be considered for education abroad programmes…to foster pluralism and individualism in our students and advance their appreciation of these critical democratic principles. These elements are:
- Frame diversity, equity and inclusion as a call to embrace pluralism
- Apply intercultural competence in both international and domestic contexts
- Emphasise a transdisciplinary approach
- Prioritise personalised learning
- Foster an entrepreneurial mindset
- Nurture global mindedness
In summary, ‘Higher education recognises education abroad as a high impact learning strategy. Understanding how it acts as a remedy for our national divisiveness and polarisation only increases its importance.’
Read more online here.
