Epistemic Disagreements

Project Manager: Noora Noushad (noora@gse.upenn.edu)

This project aims to figure out the mechanisms that can help teachers navigate an increasingly complex epistemic space in the external world by bringing elements of epistemic conflict into classrooms in a less overwhelming and more productive manner. Noora Noushad heads three lines of inquiry to address these goals.

Redesign science learning. How do we re-design science classrooms to be sites of epistemological inquiry? In this line of inquiry, Noora looks at what happens when students are encouraged to critique scientific epistemologies and their application in the real world. Her papers on shaping epistemic climate and trustworthiness of science can be found here.

Developing teacher mediation moves. How do we support science teachers to navigate epistemic conflicts in classrooms? In this line of inquiry, Noora works with science teachers to co-construct mediation moves that do not dismiss the validity of alternate epistemologies (e.g., Indigenous ways of knowing), while at the same time accurately bounding speculative epistemologies (e.g., flat earth, vaccine skepticism). You can find her papers on epistemic conflicts in classrooms here and here.

Epistemic performance in algorithmically mediated environments. What does epistemic trust look like in AI-mediated environments? In this emerging line of inquiry, Noora collaborates with SMART Labs (NYU Abu Dhabi) to design AI agents that encourage epistemic dialogue between students, teachers and LLMs.