Avoiding the Rabbit Hole - Teaching Concepts in Conspiratorial Thinking

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by News Literacy Project.
The webinar recording can e accessed here.

Conspiracy theories are becoming part of mainstream discourse and public awareness. From QAnon to pandemic-related beliefs to older ideas such as the Earth is flat, we are finding that more and more of our friends, family and loved ones believe at least one conspiracy theory. How do we teach students to avoid conspiracy theories without actually teaching them the specifics of such false beliefs? 

This edWeb podcast explores the psychological and cognitive factors behind conspiratorial thinking, including the role of fears and anxiety, cognitive dissonance and biases, motivated reasoning and institutional cynicism. Hear the ways in which conspiracy theories exploit our emotions as well as fill our emotional needs. As part of the presentation, outline essential learning objectives and concepts and provide instructional resources for integrating these concepts into the curriculum, including our free, interactive lesson which is part of the Checkology® virtual classroom. 

This edWeb podcast is of interest to teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders of the middle school, high school, and higher education levels.

News Literacy Project
A nonpartisan national education nonprofit.

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