The thesis of this book is that intellectual conflict is an important and powerful instructional tool which should become part of day-to-day student life in colleges and universities. Properly structured academic controversy results in increased achievement, better problem-solving and decision-making skills, more positive interpersonal skills, and greater social competence and self-esteem. In eight chapters, the book covers such topics as: what constructive conflict is; why it is important; avoidance of intellectual conflict; what academic controversy is; the inevitability of controversy; what faculty needs to know to manage controversy; using academic controversy in instruction; how controversy works--process, debate, and concurrence seeking; the instructor's role in structuring academic controversy and creating a cooperative context; preparing a position and required social and cognitive skills; advocating a position (presenting opposing positions and perspectives, caucusing, and challenging and defending a position); making decisions (reversing perspectives, synthesizing, and integrating); and the need for controversy. (Contains 230 references.) (CH)