Perspectives
Perspectives is an evidence-based online learning experience that helps students build the skills to engage across differences with curiosity and confidence
Perspectives is an evidence-based online learning experience that helps students build the skills to engage across differences with curiosity and confidence. Through structured, self-paced modules, students build practical skills for engaging across differences, managing disagreement constructively, and navigating complex conversations with clarity and respect.
Grounded in behavioral science and validated through randomized controlled trials, Perspectives equips institutions to embed dialogue into the student experience at scale. The Campus Package model allows campuses to integrate the program into coursework, co-curricular initiatives, leadership development, or system-wide strategy.
Supported by three randomized controlled trials, the gold standard in social science research
Winner of the Stanford Democracy Challenge
Designed for integration into curriculum or co-curricular programs
Program Format
Perspectives is offered as a blended learning program, combining online lessons with peer-to-peer exercises.
Length: 2.5 hours (6 modules)
- Format: Online and self paced
The Student Experience
A combination of lessons, guided practice, and assessment designed to build dialogue skills.
Self-Paced Lessons
Short, interactive lessons introduce students to the core skills of constructive dialogue, from understanding cognitive biases and moral differences to asking better questions and navigating conflict. Assign the full six-lesson sequence or integrate flexible modules into your course.
Guided Conversations
Structured peer-to-peer exercises give students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in real time—practicing skills like curiosity, perspective-taking, and storytelling through prompts designed to build understanding, not just debate.
Insights & Assessment
Optional quizzes reinforce key concepts, while the instructor dashboard provides visibility into student progress, engagement, and skill development—making it easy to support growth and track outcomes.
Concepts Covered
Recognizing the limits of one’s own knowledge while considering how reasonable people can arrive at different conclusions.
Flexible Implementation
Perspectives can be implemented in a variety of ways across your campus. Let our team work with your institutional leaders, faculty, staff, and students to transform your campus culture and create an environment of inquiry, dialogue, and free expression.
First-Year Experience
Prepare students to engage constructively across differences from the start of their college experience. Integrate dialogue education into first-year programs to establish shared norms for campus discourse.
Gen Ed Courses
Strengthen classroom discussion and engagement in general education courses. Equip students and faculty with the skills needed to navigate complex topics, diverse viewpoints, and productive disagreement.
Orientation
Set expectations for constructive engagement before classes begin. Introduce incoming students to the value of dialogue and equip them with tools for navigating differences throughout their college experience and beyond.
Student Leaders
Equip student leaders to model constructive engagement across campus. Develop the facilitation, communication, and leadership skills needed to build stronger campus communities.
Residence Life
Support students in navigating everyday disagreements and challenges within residential communities. Equip residence life leaders with practical tools for dialogue, problem-solving, and community building.
Staff & Faculty
Help faculty and staff foster constructive engagement across curricular and co-curricular settings. Build shared skills and approaches that strengthen dialogue throughout the institution.
Lesson Overview
Understand how cognitive biases and fast, intuitive thinking shape your reactions—and learn how to slow down and challenge your assumptions.
Common Use Cases
- Integrating dialogue into first-year seminars
- Addressing campus polarization concerns
- Scaling dialogue training beyond small cohorts
- Supporting legislative or policy alignment on free expression
- Embedding inquiry into strategic plans
By the end of this program, learners will:
- Understand the value of inquiry, dialogue, and free expression in academic and civic life
- Recognize how identity, values, and moral frameworks shape perspectives
- Practice listening and question-asking strategies that deepen understanding
- Apply constructive tools to navigate disagreement and conflict
- Reflect on their role in strengthening campus culture
Explore Our Research
We conduct original research to inform the field and evaluate the effectiveness of our tools. View our reports and papers.
Why Dialogue Skills Matter More Than Ever for Career Readiness
Can AI Teach Dialogue Skills to College Students?
Engaging Students Across Difference: A Practical Guide to Designing Dialogues
What People Are Saying
It's excellent for everyone. I considered myself quite deep into the world of communicating effectively, and I learned that I was quite a novice. It opened my mind in ways I didn't know existed. I do suppose that's the point, and this program nailed it.
I have used the platform with high school and college students as well as professionals… I’ve noticed a marked difference in students’ willingness and ability to engage in constructive conversation about challenging topics.
Using six Perspectives lessons, we helped high school seniors navigate polarization. The impact was clear: after the election, our divided class led an honest, vulnerable, and respectful discussion—entirely on their own.
It's excellent for everyone. I considered myself quite deep into the world of communicating effectively, and I learned that I was quite a novice. It opened my mind in ways I didn't know existed. I do suppose that's the point, and this program nailed it.
I have used the platform with high school and college students as well as professionals… I’ve noticed a marked difference in students’ willingness and ability to engage in constructive conversation about challenging topics.
Using six Perspectives lessons, we helped high school seniors navigate polarization. The impact was clear: after the election, our divided class led an honest, vulnerable, and respectful discussion—entirely on their own.
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