DEI Metamorphosis Three Six Four: Divergent Engagement Innovates From The Core

Divergence, Engagement, and Innovation define a new educational DEI. This paper defines these DEI elements for our age, proposing three, six, and four sub-parts of each, respectively. Readers will be invited to think divergently, leaving boxes and silos behind. Three principles will be explained and exemplified as necessary underpinnings to divergent thought (D): Brainstorming; associating and connecting; and challenging with questions. Divergency will then be deployed to consider six “rules of engagement” (E), means of captivating learners, applicable across the curriculum. That is, behavioral, cognitive, cultural, emotional, physical, and social engagement rules will be addressed. Innovation (I) will be seen as an obvious output of the engaged divergent mind, applying the aspects of D and E into four elements of I: an abandonment of judgement, an openness to all possibilities, confidence and courage to adopt trial-and-error approaches, and an embracement of failure en route to success.