“At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we don’t really have a traditional debate culture,” says Van Holland. “We don’t have a debating association and for many students, debating isn’t the natural way to exchange ideas. Many also find it intimidating to bring up social or political issues.” That’s why 3D, the house of dialogue on our campus, and NEWConnective, an interfaith student platform, are joining forces. Together they form 3D-NC.
Who are you as a teacher?
“A university should be more than a diploma factory,” says Van Holland. “We want to contribute to genuine personal development for students, but also for teachers. Especially in a system that doesn’t always leave much room for that.” Within 3D-NC, that development is key. “You learn to understand yourself, others and your place in society better,” adds Boulmalf. “We talk about difficult topics, we clash, and we connect people with very different perspectives. Especially during your studies, that’s key: it’s a time when you’re not only gaining knowledge, but also developing your identity.” That process doesn’t stop with students, Van Holland emphasizes: “3D-NC is also there for teachers who want to contribute, learn and challenge themselves. For them, it’s especially important to reflect on their role and identity within the university.”
Polarization changes the conversation
At 3D-NC, discussions focus on what’s happening now: meaning and identity, climate activism and more. “And during impactful events, like a sit-in or a protest march, we create space,” says Boulmalf. “Moments of silence, conversations, dialogues. Whatever is needed at that time.” Those conversations aren’t always easy. Van Holland explains: “Lately, we’ve been reflecting on Gaza and other regions affected by violence and injustice. Polarization is strongly felt there. Groups are sometimes so far apart that an open dialogue, in the classical sense, is hardly possible.”
Proven dialogue rules
At 3D-NC, students and teachers learn how to navigate those moments through structured conversations with clear, proven dialogue rules. “They ensure everyone is heard, including the quieter voices”, says Van Holland. “That creates safety and allows for real depth.” Students take these skills back to the classroom: listening without judgment, finding their voice, and giving space to others. For teachers, that’s especially valuable when discussions become sensitive or emotionally charged. “It means you no longer have to constantly pull a discussion out of crisis mode,” Van Holland explains. “And you feel freer to take part in the conversation, without holding back in case one wrong word sets the discussion on edge.”
How teachers can get involved
Teachers can use 3D-NC in various ways: for inspiration before a course, as part of a class, or to conclude a course with a dialogue session on a social theme. “Participation in such a session is voluntary,” says Van Holland, “but we often see students come in large numbers, precisely because it speaks to them.”
3D-NC also gives guest lectures in courses. “Yesterday, for example, we gave one in Psychology & Religion,” says Boulmalf. “That way, teachers get a feel for our dialogue and debate formats, which they can then apply in their teaching.” There are also sessions specifically for teachers: such as lunch gatherings where they share experiences from the classroom. “They’re not casual chats, but honest conversations full of recognition and concrete ideas for addressing sensitive topics more effectively,” says Boulmalf.
Want to know more or join in?
Would you like to join one of the conversations, end a course with a 3D-NC dialogue, invite a guest lecture or take part in a teacher session? Contact NEWConnective or simply drop by 3D on campus.
