Difficult Conversations We’re NOT Having: Mixed-Group Perspective Taking and Diversity Education at a Small College

Abstract

This article examines a novel approach to faculty development aimed at addressing often-avoided difficult conversations about diversity in and out of the classroom. We propose a workshop model that uses Theatre of the Oppressed methods and a mixed-group approach (faculty, staff, and students) to uncover tensions around diversity issues on campus and to practice perspective taking among the three groups. Our approach responds to the challenges of engaging in dialogues related to diversity across groups at small colleges.

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