Facilitating Constructive Discussions of Difficult Socio-Scientific Issues

Gregory R. Goldsmith; Brenna M. G. Gormally; Rebecca M. Green; Aaron W. Harrison; Brian A. Hoover; Kenjiro W. Quides; Zachary Thammavongsy; Shana R. Welles; Bingjie Zhang; Kelsey M. Gray

doi:10.1128/jmbe.00153-21

Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education (Sep 2021)

Facilitating Constructive Discussions of Difficult Socio-Scientific Issues

Gregory R. Goldsmith,
Brenna M. G. Gormally,
Rebecca M. Green,
Aaron W. Harrison,
Brian A. Hoover,
Kenjiro W. Quides,
Zachary Thammavongsy,
Shana R. Welles,
Bingjie Zhang,
Kelsey M. Gray

Affiliations

Gregory R. Goldsmith: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Brenna M. G. Gormally: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Rebecca M. Green: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Aaron W. Harrison: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Brian A. Hoover: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Kenjiro W. Quides: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Zachary Thammavongsy: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Shana R. Welles: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Bingjie Zhang: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
Kelsey M. Gray: Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00153-21
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 22, no. 2

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Discussion can be an important and powerful tool in efforts to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). However, facilitating discussions on difficult, complex, and often uncomfortable issues, like racism and sexism, can feel daunting. We outline a series of steps that can be used by educators to facilitate productive discussions that empower everyone to listen, contribute, learn, and ultimately act to transform STEM.

Published in Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education

ISSN: 1935-7877 (Print); 1935-7885 (Online)
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Education: Special aspects of education; Science: Biology (General)
Website: https://journals.asm.org/journal/jmbe

About the journal

Abstract

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