Collaborative deliberation is an authentic problem-solving model of discussion that is premised on relationships, mutual trust, common interests and concerns, and diverse forms of communication.
This table outlines 8 important dimensions of this collaborative deliberation curricular approach.
This model incorporates several important ideas and concepts described in the book and in our other publications.
Key concepts and ideas:
Justice, Critical Harmony, Collaborative Deliberation, Empathy, Compassion, Benevolence, Listening to Distant Voices, Taking Wise Action, Pragmatic Hope, and Visionary Hope
For more information about extending empathy and compassion to distant others,read this open access Multicultural Education Review article
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2005615X.2020.1808928
Traditional Deliberation
Traditional deliberation models require students to consider opposing viewpoints on an issue, such as reproductive rights, immigration policy, or hate speech. They then take part in structured discussions in which they formally and dispassionately present reasons and evidence to support a position (sometimes switching positions in the process), so that each side is given a fair hearing. An example of traditional deliberation is Structured Academic Controversy.
Collaborative Deliberation
The purpose of collaborative deliberation is discussion “with an eye towards decision-making” (Parker, 2003, p. 80). These decisions are framed in a less adversarial manner and focus on means rather than ends: how to staff the museum or how to restore wetlands to prevent flooding. They therefore provide a meaningful context within which people can work together on issues that already matter to them, rather than trying to find common ground across frequently unbridgeable divides. Collaborative deliberation also encourages a greater range of expressive forms.
When planning for collaborative deliberation, teachers should:
For more information about collaborative deliberation, please read this Phi Delta Kappan article https://kappanonline.org/collaborative-deliberation-barton-ho/
Summary of differences between traditional (adversarial) and collaborative deliberation
SELECT: A suitably defined societal issue
Indigenous coastal communities in Louisiana are threatened by sea level rise caused by climate change.
FRAME: An open-ended main question for deliberation
How can we protect Indigenous coastal communities in Louisiana from the threat of sea level rise?
ENGAGE: Materials that help students understand the issue and extend concern to those affected
Climate Refugees in Louisiana
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
https://www.crcl.org/land-loss/
NOAA Understanding living coastlines
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-living-shorelines
ORGANIZE: Small group investigations of sub-questions
• How can we minimize coastal erosion in Louisiana?
• How can we mitigate the impact of the loss of coastal wetlands on Indigenous communities in Louisiana?
• How can we contribute to the healthy growth of coastal wetlands in Louisiana?
EVALUATE: Proposed responses by deliberating collaboratively
• Is the solution effective in terms of addressing the problem directly or indirectly? What are the short and long-term advantages and limitations of the solution?
• Are is the costs of the solution affordable? Is the solution efficient (i.e. does not waste resources)?
• Is the solution technically feasible using existing knowledge and technology?
• Is the solution politically acceptable to people and their political representatives?
• Is the solution equitable and fair (to everyone)?
• What are the unintended effects of the solution? How important are they?
SEEK: Examples and case studies that demonstrate hopeful possibilities of collective change
Oyster Shell recycling to restore reefs
EMBRACE: Diverse forms of communication and expression while engaged in deliberation
• Establish inclusive norms of communication
• Make space for expressions of emotion and passion
• Encourage arguments supported by both personal testimony and other more traditional forms of evidence such as research data and statistics
• Introduce a range of communicative norms to students and show when different forms of expression are most effective and appropriate
TAKE: Wise action to implement proposed responses
Utilize the decision matrix to select policy solution and, individually and collectively, implement the proposed responses
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