Preconference

Facilitating Discussions with White Rural Student Groups—How Do We Engage Them?

---

Abstract

After the 2016 presidential election, a CALS teaching professor implemented a 30 minute discussion activity in her weekly labs to build a stronger classroom community. Students became more adept at participating in discussions on a range of topics, actively listening, and exploring issues that offered no easy solutions. Many of these students report that their weekly discussions serve as one of the most important parts of their college educational experience.

How do we foster a culture of discussion at a STEM institution? How does an instructor empower White students from the rural Midwest to explore social issues despite their lack of exposure to urban and suburban communities? In this session, Virginia Hanson will share her experience as the instructor who designed and teaches this discussion piece, and former students of hers will share their experiences from the classroom.