When controversy enters the classroom: Factors for group (de)polarization

Abstract

Although in the educational arena it is usually accepted that addressing controversial issues leads to a better understanding of the Other and consequently depolarizes groups, classic experiments in social psychology conclude, conversely, that such topics generate greater polarization, even when these groups express a variety of opinions. This paper describes teacher training practices promoted in Catalonia since 2017, analysing two training models: training courses on how to address controversial issues in the classroom, on the one hand, and dialogues between teachers in a context of polarization, on the other, addressed to almost 200 teachers who ranged from pre-school educators to university professors. Through a qualitative and comparative analysis of these practices, this paper identifies some of the factors that may lead to greater or lesser group polarization: a highly or lowly polarized social context, and a safer or riskier classroom environment; learning objectives oriented towards tolerance for discrepancy or towards understanding; methodologies that promote dialogue or debate; didactic strategies with more or less personal involvement, distancing or expression of empathy; and expected results of argumentation and/or listening and empathy.