Learning Philosophy

The DDP is based on the principles of democratic, student-centered education and the peer-to-peer method of learning.

Unlike traditional teacher-directed “instruction,” peer-learning is based on students working collaboratively with one another to arrive at mutually determined learning outcomes.

Our ‘dialogue’ approach uses trained peer-facilitators (not teachers) to create and sustain a comfortable, lively, and refreshingly student-driven learning environment always intent on inspiring and empowering all in attendance.

The DDP builds on the principles of multiculturalism. We believe that our college campus is greatly enriched by preserving, respecting, and encouraging the coexistence of distinct beliefs, identities, and ethnicities (cultural pluralism).

In order to do so, we must provide all members of the campus community ongoing opportunities to have meaningful contact so that we can share commonalities and differences (The Contact Hypothesis). Feedback from DDP participants and facilitators suggests that our approach to intergroup dialogue is a particularly worthwhile effort at building a more inclusive, socially just, and equitable learning community.