Let’s Talk about It: Mid-Atlantic Dialogue and Expression Survey

• In Event: Poster Session: Class and Inequality & Political Science Education
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Political Science Education

Abstract

Do college students feel like they have the necessary skills to navigate challenging conversations across differences? As the US political and social climate is rife with tribalism and polarization, it is increasingly important to equip students with skills to navigate difficult conversations with those who have diverse views. This is part of developing an informed and active citizenry. A 2021 survey of college students across the United States suggests that the majority of students are reluctant to discuss controversial topics in and out of the classroom (Zhou and Zhou 2021). Notably, we do not know if this national trend is found in our local community, what variations can impact student’s comfort with discussions, or if students desire an intervention (training) in having difficult conversations across difference. This project will explore if the trends found in that 2021 study are present across three Mid-Atlantic institutions- West Chester University, Penn State Harrisburg, and Gettysburg College – we investigate how comfortable students feel taking part in tough conversations with those who have differing views, and weather they have the skills to do so successfully. Using a non-probability convenience survey of full-time undergraduate students, we examine how college students navigate discussions across differences, including institutional differences. Broadly, we find that students are more willing to engage in controversial discussions than previously framed, while ideology and gender are important factors related to student’s engagement in discussing politics. These findings will better assist educators to design creative solutions to encourage and support students' ability to dialogue across differences.

Authors

• Shannon McQueen, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

• Tracie Potts

• Douglas Page, Gettysburg College

• Daniel J Mallinson, Penn State, Harrisburg