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

Facilitating Constructive Discussions of Difficult Socio-Scientific Issues

J Microbiol Biol Educ. 2021 Jun 30;22(2):e00153-21. doi: 10.1128/jmbe.00153-21. eCollection 2021 Fall.

Affiliation

¹ Grand Challenges Initiative, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA.

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.

Keywords: STEM; conflict resolution; diversity; equity; facilitation; inclusion; reflective practice.