Managing Conspiracy Theories in The Classroom Through Research-Based Teacher Training
The Managing Conspiracy Theories in The Classroom project, led by Clare Birchall (Department of English), provided valuable resources to help teachers address conspiracy theories in classroom settings. As conspiracy theories become more prevalent in digital and social spaces, teachers are increasingly faced with the challenge of navigating these conversations with their students. This project aimed to offer research-based tools to empower educators in fostering critical thinking and managing these sensitive topics.
The project involved collaboration between Clare Birchall, Peter Knight, and Jeremy Hayward, who developed a training framework informed by real-world classroom experiences. A series of focus groups were held with teachers to gather insights into their challenges, and the training sessions provided practical strategies to address conspiracy theories effectively.
By offering a space for reflection and dialogue, the project aimed to build confidence among educators in handling complex issues like conspiracy theories. The training materials created through this initiative are designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to adapt them to their unique classroom environments.
Looking ahead, the project has the potential for further development, with plans to continue refining the training framework and expand its reach to more schools across the UK. This work will contribute to broader conversations on how education systems can support teachers in addressing the changing digital landscape and the spread of misinformation.
For full details of the project, please see the PDF case study below.