One of my ISPI friends asked a group of us if we’d be willing to help get the word out about The Debunker’s Club.
It’s a new website and group of folks who are banding together to help clean up some of the myths, mistakes, and misinformation that are common in the learning field.
Early “sightings” of The Debunker Club include links to debunking articles, comments about the best ways to point out that something is not supported by research, and notes about learning myths being presented as true (with links).
One of the more advanced interpersonal skills is to disagree with someone. And, telling someone that his or her favorite myth is just that—a myth—can be met with tremendous resistance. It’s difficult for any of us to give up an idea that “sounds right” or that has felt right for a long, long time.
I prefer not to invoke too many growling responses.
A comment from the site about how to approach debunking ideas without running into a harsh reaction:
…there are several keys to minimizing the potential for backlash…
- Always be respectful.
- Always be open to being wrong, and admitting this possibility.
- Always listening to understand.
- Always admitting the small truths that are contained in the larger falsehoods.
- Always asking to hear (and post) alternative viewpoints.
- Always offering better alternatives then the falsehoods presented.
- Always, always, always, doing our due diligence to ensure that we fully comprehend the issues upon which we dare to speak.
~Will Thalheimer
To celebrate “April Fool’s Week,” The Debunker’s Club is taking aim at the idea that “people remember 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, etc..”
Having delivered many presentations about “snake oil” and written a number of myth-busting articles, I applaud this effort. I’m also pleased to see that club members are being urged to tread carefully (treat everyone with respect) while weeding out misinformation and encouraging the use of evidence-based practices.
Take a look at the site. Contribute to the sightings, and if you wish, consider joining The Debunker’s Club.
Resources
Site | The Debunker’s Club
Comments | Sightings
Page | April Fool’s Week
