Lessons in Skepticism: The Paranormal as a Teaching Tool

For nearly 20 years, Dr. Rodney Schmaltz has taught a course on pseudoscience and skepticism that turns extraordinary claims into hands-on lessons in critical thinking. Students conduct ghost hunts, learn to perform convincing psychic readings (it takes about 45 minutes), and put paranormal claims to the test through their work with the Centre for Inquiry Investigations Group.

In this talk, Dr. Schmaltz will share practical teaching strategies and insights from his research on skepticism and belief. He will discuss how educational experiences can cultivate curiosity and intellectual humility both inside and outside the classroom. Educators and skeptics alike will leave with practical approaches for making critical thinking engaging and memorable.