NSCR researchers involved in podcast series ‘De leerkracht achter de veerkracht’ about dealing with radicalization and polarization in education

Action shyness

Some students are sensitive to radical and polarizing messages during their development and express this in and around the classroom. It is a challenge for teachers and education professionals to respond adequately and to prevent this. They often experience ‘action shyness’.

Researchers from the Verwey Jonker Institute, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and NSCR investigated in the study “Education, identity development in young people and their dealings with ideals” how (precursors of) radicalization can arise during early adolescence, and how education can contribute to preventing radicalization and polarization of young people. The podcast series is a result of this research project.

NSCR researchers Lea Echelmeyer MSc and Prof. Dr. Frank Weerman were involved in setting up the podcast series together with Dr. Anne-Marie Slotboom (VU). Echelmeyer and Weerman can also be heard in episode 6: Awareness of radicalization and knowledge about it.

Six theme episodes

The podcast series consists of six episodes in which podcast maker Simon Mamahit talks to education professionals who have each found their own way to break through the hesitation around radicalization and polarization. In addition, experts share their insights and young people talk about their experiences and ideas.

Each episode has its own theme:

1. stimulating positive and resilient identity formation
2. stimulating inclusive thinking
3. democratic formation
4. strengthening digital resilience
5. strengthening education professionals
6. awareness of radicalization and knowledge about it

The podcast series can be listened to via Spotify (only in Dutch): De leerkracht achter de veerkracht | Podcast on Spotify

The final report of the underlying research can be found on the website of the Verwey Jonker Institute: Education, identity development in young people and their dealings with ideals - Verwey-Jonker Institute