Examining Dialogic Opportunities in Higher-Education: Lessons Learned from Dialogue Courses for Jewish Students

דיאלוג דתיים -חילונים השכלה גבוהה זהות יהודית חינוך סטודנטים

This study focuses on academic dialogue courses bringing together secular and religious Jewish students at a higher education institution in Israel (Zefat Academic College). The researcher conducted a content analysis of 96 final papers submitted by students, in which they described their experiences of the encounter. The findings indicate that structured academic dialogue provides a unique opportunity for "self-discovery" and for challenging previous moral perceptions. Students reported that this framework allowed them not only to understand "the other" but, primarily, to introspect and examine their own identity. The article highlights the importance of pedagogical design that encourages critical thinking and personal reflection as part of the intergroup bridging process.