“The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”

Malcolm S. Forbes

You may not have grown up in a single-parent household or struggled to pay your bills. You may not know the first thing about breeding horses or how to play the saxophone. But I’m sure you know people who have or do. Being receptive to others’ ideas, arguments, and information and having a desire to discover something new is important for learning. Curiosity and open-mindedness have also been connected with:

• increased academic achievement.
• greater work and life satisfaction.
• decreased mental and physical decline.
• an increased understanding of our changing world.
• the release of dopamine and other positive chemicals (when we are exposed to new things).
• stronger relationships as well as sense of belonging.

A willingness and desire to consider others’ perspectives and try new experiences make us more interesting, compassionate, approachable, and successful. These strengths can and should be cultivated in the classroom. This teaching tip, lists many ways to cultivate curiosity and open-mindedness, with a deep dive into doing so through debate.

Gaining Perspective

Being open and curious has influenced my approach to teaching. For example, my kids and my students have taught me the latest slang terms (like ‘rizz’ – which roughly translates to charisma) and challenged my expectations and views of their generation. Their input has been valuable to me in designing my courses to best meet their needs.

Developing Open-mindedness Through Debate

There are many ways to encourage students' curiosity and open-mindedness to promote learning and success. One strategy that can be used to increase students’ understanding of other ideas, perspectives, and arguments is the debate.

Challenge Assumptions and Encourage Debate. 

With this strategy, you simply provide a structured debate on a topic to encourage the consideration of alternative views and practice respectful argumentation. The suggested steps are to:

1. Pick a topic.
   Depending on your purpose, choose a funny topic or one that is in line with your course content or learning objectives, and have students argue a view that is different from their own (e.g.,  pineapple on pizza, cats vs. dogs, the drinking age, whether or not social media makes us smarter). Perhaps start with a low-stakes, less serious topic as an icebreaker or for practice.
   Note: It’s important to set ground rules for respectful discourse before the debate.
2. Divide the class into teams.
   Have students identify their side (e.g., by a show of hands or secret ballot) and then assign them to the opposite view (placing them in groups of students who hold the same or similar views). You can have them move to the same side of the classroom or have them find a location near your room for a more private discussion.
   You may even ask a third team of students who are “on the fence” to record the debate content and interaction.
3. Generate reasons or arguments.
   Have them write reasons/arguments to support this view (as a group or individually). Remind them to consider potential objections someone from the other side may have to their arguments.
   It’s a good idea to assign specific roles, such as primary speaker, note-taker, and rebuttal speaker.
4. Present the arguments.
   Have groups present their arguments, allowing the other side to refute them. Here are some links for inspiration and suggestions on structure.

Other Considerations

It’s important to define the format of the debate, including opening statements, arguments, rebuttals, closing statements, and potential question-and-answer sessions. You need to: 

• allocate appropriate speaking time for each group (perhaps 10 minutes per group and 5 minutes each for rebuttal)
  actively monitor student engagement throughout the debate, ensuring all team members contribute meaningfully, and,
• if this exercise is for class credit, you should develop a rubric to evaluate student performance based on criteria such as:
  • the strength of the arguments
  • evidence (facts vs. opinion)
  • delivery
  • adherence to debate rules.

Classroom Activities to Promote Curiosity and Open-Mindedness

Need more inspiration? Here are some other strategies that are easy to integrate into most course designs.

• Focus on questions, not answers. Teaching students to ask and use their own questions can impact curiosity.
• Try out the Question Formulation Technique (QFT). Question formulation is a skill not widely taught, but important for students in every discipline. It teaches students to devise and ask questions that foster their learning and encourage them to take ownership of their education.
• Let Students Lead. Give students the reins and let them create their own project-based learning.
• Model Curiosity. Show them you are open to new ideas, suggestions, and activities. Try things and talk about these experiences with your students.
• Encourage Collaboration. Have students work together to solve problems and listen to each other's ideas.
• Promote Critical Thinking. Encourage students to look for solutions and consider alternative perspectives.
• Teach Perspective Taking. Challenge students to take another person’s position or perspective. For example, turning in a late assignment may be the result of working overtime to pay for classes.
• Provide a Variety of Viewpoints. Invite guest speakers with diverse views or have them read about or watch Podcasts on different experiences, perspectives, and struggles.
• Discuss Culture. Give assignments that have students immersed in another culture. For example, suggest getting involved in community service or attending a multicultural event on or off campus.
• Use a Variety of Learning Strategies. Case studies, visual aids, and group projects, for example, can be given that highlight different perspectives.
• Encourage Diverse Experiences. Take students on virtual field trips or encourage them to participate in an activity that may not be on their dance card, but can expand their thinking (e.g., attending an OU symphony event, enrolling in a photography class, or visiting the Meadowbrook Mansion).

Conclusion

Research shows that open-minded, curious people are happier, healthier, and more successful in all life domains. Try some of these strategies in your classroom to instill curiosity and improve student success – or use them to boost or reinforce your own curiosity.

References and Resources

Burgess, A., Shah, K., Hough, O., & Hynynen, K. (2016). The psychology and neuroscience of curiosity. Neuron, 15(5), 449-460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2015.09.010. 

Dolbier, S. Y., Dieffenbach, M. C., & Lieberman, M. D. (2024). Open-mindedness: An integrative review of interventions. Psychological Review, https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000491

Kashdan, T. B., & Steger, M. F. (2007). Curiosity and pathways to well-being and meaning in life: Traits, states, and everyday behaviors. Motivation and Emotion, 31(3), 159-173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-007-9068-7

Litman, J. A. (2005). Curiosity and the pleasures of learning: Wanting and liking new information. Cognition and Emotion, 19(6), 793–814. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930541000101 

Lord M. (2015). Group learning capacity: the roles of open-mindedness and shared vision. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 150. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00150

Nurishlah, L.i & Budiman, N. & Yulindrasari, H. (2020). Expressions of curiosity and academic Achievement of the students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 10.2991/assehr.k.200130.101. 

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About the Author

Rebecca Malatesta, PhD, is a Special Instructor and Student Success Coordinator in the Psychology Department. She is very interested in understanding barriers to student success and discovering evidenced-based strategies to address inclusion and belonging in the classroom and students’ subjective well-being. Rebecca loves to read, especially the classics.

Rebecca served as guest editor for the Happiness Factor in Academic Success: Boosting Well-being and Performance series. Contribute to the Teaching Blog as a guest editor.

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