Deference in the classroom and beyond

A dilemma faced by many faculty and administrators who work in settings where high deference to authority is expected is that the idea of critical thinking, challenging ideas and authorities, is not easy for students.  Particularly in the Arab world where new standards of engagement are now emerging post-Arab Spring, students and faculty may not know how to conduct themselves.  Particularly noting the back-and-forth of political change in Egypt, Inside Higher Education commented, "The common critique of the Muslim Brotherhood is there isn't a single poet, artist or writer in their leadership -- 85 percent of them hold engineering or medical qualifications."
Read more: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/09/20/conference-considers-challenges-facing-higher-ed-after-arab-spring#ixzz2fR1mvktn

This point is especially important to liberal arts faculty and student affairs educators whose purpose is to create settings and conditions where students are free to explore their own views.