The role of higher education in separating fact from fiction

By Miranda Prynne, 8 September, 2022
The Wall Street Journal
Misinformation spotlight image
What can universities do to equip students, academics and the public with the tools to tackle misinformation?
The role of higher education in separating fact from fiction
What can universities do to equip students, academics and the public with the tools to tackle misinformation?
Misinformation spotlight image

Each day, we face an information overload with claims, facts and figures flowing across screens faster than we can check them. This is fertile ground for inaccurate reports and “fake news” to abound. When presented with seemingly limitless sources and channels of information, it’s hard to know who and what to trust in relation to our health or our governments. Never has the ability to critically assess and communicate information been more important. So, what can universities to do equip students, staff and the wider public with the tools and knowledge they need to understand the complex nature of evidence, invite varied perspectives and seek the truth?

Improving the reliability of evidence
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By Miranda Prynne, 22 July, 2022

How to improve the public understanding of evidence

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Image depicting the need for the public to understand evidence and fact
The ability to critically analyse information and differentiate fact from fiction is a skill needed far beyond higher education. So how can academics trained in evaluating evidence engage the wider public in this important process?
Reading time
4minutes
By Miranda Prynne, 21 July, 2022

Great citations: how to avoid referencing questionable evidence

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Image representing critical analysis of research
Researchers don’t always stick to careful citation practices and occasionally cite evidence that has been questioned or even retracted. Find practical tips on how to avoid citing faulty evidence and maintain good citation hygiene
Reading time
3minutes
Two men yelling at each other
Fostering the art of respectful debate
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By Eliza.Compton, 7 September, 2022

Four steps to robust and respectful classroom discussion

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Diverse group of students in discussion
This video offers a four-part approach that gives space for students to speak up eagerly in classroom debates and shows them how to disagree well. Brian Ray, director of the Poe Business Ethics Center at the University of Florida, explains how to put it into practice
Woman examining written evidence
By Miranda Prynne, 6 June, 2022

Educating trainee teachers in critical thinking

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Image depicting critical thinking and analysis
Effective approaches to training student teachers in critical thinking so they can apply it across multiple disciplines and pass on their knowledge to their own pupils, by Joseph Sanacore
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3minutes
Tackling fake news and disinformation
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Image representing a diversity of opinion and perspective
Teaching to seek the truth
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By Miranda Prynne, 11 August, 2022

How to address bias in the classroom and in assessment in five steps

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Image showing unequal support being offered on the pathway to success
Biases can affect personal interactions, course design, learning activities, assessment and institutional practices, thus it is vital that educators work to remove bias from their teaching. Donna Hurford and Andrew Read share helpful approaches
Reading time
4minutes
Hands up in the air during a protest
By Eliza.Compton, 6 April, 2022

How open knowledge strengthens democracies

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open knowledge
No longer just guardians of knowledge, public universities are critical to the health of young democracies. To support civil society and democracy, flagship institutions must embrace their role as coordinators of open knowledge exchange
Reading time
4minutes