Benghazi and Critical Thinking

Chairman Trey Gowdy just finished wrapping up the press conference on his committee's report.  I toggled back and forth between CNN and Fox News throughout the coverage and upon its completion. 


While we may all agree that what happened in Benghazi was horrific and tragically sad, after the report concluded, this is what was showing on the banners at the bottom of each news organization's screen shot:

CNN - "GOP-Led Panel Finds No Wrong Doing by Clinton"

FOX - "Republicans Accuse Obama Administration of Blocking Documents and Witnesses in Benghazi Attack Probe"

What?!  They were exposed to the same information in the press conference, yet their take away messages differed so drastically?  

During the press conference that offered the 800 page document, one reporter suggested that it is likely that the lenses through which individuals view this story will remain unchanged.  Researchers in psychology are likely to agree with the reporter.

What can we do?

Just as triangulation is relied upon to build credibility in some research methodologies, we can seek varied perspectives and evidence to challenge ourselves to deeper understanding and better solutions.  Our campus is continuing its Critical Thinking Institute and commitment to Positive Social Change skill building and initiatives ... I hope we are all watching different news stations and digging deep and wide in our research  (more than 3 sources, more than triangulation!).

Hmmmmm ... how open are we, really, to ideas that differ from our current thinking or from our favorite news station?

Innovation from the League for Innovation

An old innovation and a new innovation caught my attention at this year's Learning Summit (June 12-15 at the Omni Montelucia).

POGIL (process oriented guided inquiry learning)

POGIL training offers in-depth insights on how to create student discussions that lead to learning.  While I embrace radical student centered learning approaches to prepare students for the real world, even the most lecture addicted teacher is likely to acknowledge that students talking with students about content can be productive.  POGIL removes the typical pitfalls and, through process, improves the likelihood of productive small group learning activities.

This model has been around for about 15 years but since many of our classrooms remain what I'm calling PLCT (Passive Learning, Convergent Thinking), POGIL is a tool that could help move teacher centered comfort toward (new) student centered innovations in our college classrooms.   For more information:  www.pogil.org


Alamo Colleges - AlamoINSTITUTES

Alamo was one of 30 colleges selected through the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to receive a portion of a 5.4 million dollar grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Alamo has created a pathways program that looks like they stepped out of the academic box and included workforce thinking for their students who, in most cases, will want to eventually join the workforce - beyond our endpoint of "completion."  It appears that Alamo really is thinking with Covey's "end in mind" and embracing the opportunity that we have to positively affect career trajectories IF we really get good at serving our students and communities. 

Alamo's Vice Chancellor, Jo-Carol Fabianke, Ed.D. said, this is a "different way of doing business."  For more information about Alamo and their innovations, visit:  www.alamo.edu/

This is new!  And, exciting !

The Learning Summit will take place again next summer ...

same beautiful location!  Hope to see you there ...............

Inclusion: Mohammad Ali

Earlier this week I attended a diversity meeting where we discussed the purpose of ending the "isms"  (i.e., racism, sexism etc.).  I believe we are still in the infancy of true diversity awareness, training and living.  And, as I watch the celebration of Muhammad Ali's life, it is full of highlights that suggest Muhammad Ali was ahead of most of our diversity training programs of today.  The interfaith service and individual stories being told portray a person who embraced diversity and demonstrated inclusion while serving humanity.

Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on January 17, 1942 and passed away on June 3, 2016.