Late last term in my year 11 PE class we were discussing other peoples views.

The discussion quickly moved to Syria and the influx of refugees in Europe. One
particular student was very outspoken about his fears about the muslims taking
over the world and NZ was somehow next. I could see a few students around him
nodding their heads in agreement. I then remembered Steve Ritchiss reflection
on how important it is to give our students another perspective on these kinds of
issues. And of course the other perspective is only that of my own and no less
important than the students. It was this attitude that allowed me to get this
student to at least question his view on the issue. A simple comment made all the
difference. I respect your opinion and many others share the same view. I felt
like saying this disarmed the student and allowed me share my own and then
start a respectful discussion. Then the student could come to his own conclusions
without being shut down.
This is John Dewys take on the matter.
Dewey (1933, 1986) defined the disposition or attitude of open-mindedness as
freedom from prejudice, partisanship, and such other habits as close the mind
and make it unwilling to consider new problems and entertain new ideas (p.
136). However, he noted that open-mindedness is not the same as emptymindedness, which he likens to some hanging out a sign saying Come right in;
there is no one at home is not the equivalent of hospitality (Dewey, 1916/1980).
Rather he continued there is a willingness to let experiences accumulate and
sink in and ripen, which is an essential of development (p. 183). Thus, Dewey
(1933, 1986) maintains that to be truly open-minded one must have an active
desire to listen to more sides than one; to give heed to facts from whatever source
they come; to give full attention to alternative possibilities; to recognize the
possibility of error even in the beliefs that are dearest to us (p. 136).
So, my prayer today is that when we disagree with an opinion or view we keep an
open mind.