Re: Classroom bully pulpits

[Dr. Bob Wildblood]

This is a very good topic for discussion, because we all operate from 
our biases whether we like it or not.  My approach is to start out (the 
first time a "controversial" topic comes ups) telling people what my 
bias is and that I am unashamedly commited to my view.  I also tell them 
that my position today is not the same as it was 30 years ago, and if I 
am lucky enough to live another 20 -30 years, my best guess is that it 
will not be the same as it is today.  I also make it clear that a) I am 
more than willing to let those with opinions different from mine have 
time to talk about their position and how they have arrived at that, and 
b) to encourage people to talk about alternate positions.  I try to make 
it clear that our positions are based on our experiences (including 
family indoctrination) and that I want differences of opinion to be 
discussed in class.  One of the most compelling things that seems to 
encourage students to speak out is that I continually point out those 
issues in psychology which are debated (and some of them form the 113 
years that psychology has been an official discipline) every day among 
reasonably intelligent people.

Bob Wildblood, PhD
Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo, IN  46904-9003
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