Fostering Open-Minded Political Engagement through Online Interscholastic Discussions: Toward Reducing Affective Political Polarization

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Fostering Open-Minded Political Engagement through Online Interscholastic Discussions: Toward Reducing Affective Political Polarization
Language: English
Authors: Brett L. M. Levy, Alina Lewis
Source: Democracy & Education. 2025 33(1).
Availability: Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road MSC 93, Portland, OR 97219. Tel: 503-768-6054; Fax: 503-768-6053; e-mail: journal@lclark.edu; Web site: http://democracyeducationjournal.org/home
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Political Attitudes, Elections, Units of Study, Student Participation, Teacher Collaboration, Controversial Issues (Course Content), Computer Mediated Communication, Video Technology, Teaching Methods, Group Discussion, High School Students, Geographic Regions, Prosocial Behavior, Perspective Taking, Self Efficacy, Teacher Attitudes, Educational Objectives
ISSN: 1085-3545
2164-7992
Abstract: This study explores how political discussions among diverse youth can support students' open-minded political engagement. For this study, we collaborated with two teachers to adapt and enact instruction aimed at supporting students' discussion of controversial issues across political, geographic, and cultural boundaries. During an instructional unit exploring various ways to strengthen our election system, students engaged in discussions with their classmates and with peers from another school via an online video discussion board. We collected data through observations and interviews. Our findings indicate that the instruction enhanced students' understanding of their political bubbles and their motivation to engage in boundary-crossing political discussions--and that they found the opportunity to engage with students from another school to be valuable overall.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Access URL: https://democracyeducationjournal.org/home/vol33/iss1/2/
Accession Number: EJ1473912
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study explores how political discussions among diverse youth can support students' open-minded political engagement. For this study, we collaborated with two teachers to adapt and enact instruction aimed at supporting students' discussion of controversial issues across political, geographic, and cultural boundaries. During an instructional unit exploring various ways to strengthen our election system, students engaged in discussions with their classmates and with peers from another school via an online video discussion board. We collected data through observations and interviews. Our findings indicate that the instruction enhanced students' understanding of their political bubbles and their motivation to engage in boundary-crossing political discussions--and that they found the opportunity to engage with students from another school to be valuable overall.
ISSN:1085-3545
2164-7992