In a complex world marked by uncertainty, the ability to deal with contradictions and ambiguities is becoming increasingly important. Tolerance for ambiguity is not only a key skill for the future and for democracy, but also essential for sustainable development: it enables individuals to remain capable of taking action and to actively participate in shaping processes despite complexity and contradictions. This workshop offers university instructors practical ideas and teaching methods to promote constructive ways of dealing with uncertainty and to specifically strengthen the ability to act in teaching and learning situations.

Objectives:

Participants will

• learn to distinguish between different forms and types of ambiguity.
• reflect on situations from everyday (professional) life and teaching that involve dealing with uncertainty.
• will become familiar with strategies for dealing with ambiguities and contradictions.
• will test and reflect on practical methods for promoting tolerance of ambiguity in higher education.

Contents:

• Ambiguity, uncertainty, and contradictions in the context of sustainability and higher education
• The importance of tolerance for ambiguity as a skill for the future and for democracy
• Forms and manifestations of ambiguity in teaching and learning contexts
• Reflection on personal experiences in dealing with uncertainty
• Strategies and approaches for constructively dealing with ambiguities
• Practical methods for promoting tolerance for ambiguity in teaching

Lecturer: Yvonne Engel