OpenMind is hosting a free master class in conjunction with Bridging the Gap to help educators develop skills for fostering open and constructive dialogue in their classrooms.

In today's polarized climate, it can be incredibly difficult to lead classroom conversations about challenging topics. All too often, important topics are avoided or students and educators feel as though they are walking on eggshells. According to a 2020 Heterodox Academy report, 60% of college students surveyed indicated that they were reluctant to discuss controversial topics in the classroom.

Designed for professors in higher education and teachers in high school, this master class utilizes principles from OpenMind's research-based learning program and Bridging the Gap's experiential model and skills-based practice for having courageous conversations.

Educators will be introduced to language, practices, and an approach that will enable them to better:

• Foster open and constructive dialogue in the classroom
• Facilitate difficult conversations
• Build empathy, open-mindedness, and mutual understanding among ideologically diverse students
• Equip college and high school students with skills to seek common ground, without attempting to change minds or having to compromise deeply held values

This event is free to attend but registration is limited. Register today to secure your seat!

About OpenMind

OpenMind is an online learning platform that provides students, professors, teachers, and individuals with practical, evidence-based skills to communicate constructively across differences. The program distills rigorous behavioral science research into actionable insights that provide pathways to more constructive and empathetic dialogue across differing backgrounds, beliefs, and values.

Explore OpenMind for Colleges, Universities, and High Schools

About Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap is an immersive experience that teaches students the skills to effectively communicate, understand, and solve problems. Through active engagement and face-to-face discussion, students from very different higher education environments develop skills to truly listen, understand, be heard, and seek common ground without feeling the need to change minds.

Bridging the Gap - Courageous Conversations