Difficult Conversations

Ideas

Idea #5: Preparing Students for Difficult Conversations

“After figuring out how difficult conversations may fit into the learning goals for your class, consider spelling this out for your students in the syllabus. This way, from the first day of class, they will know that controversial topics are not necessarily something to be afraid of, but can provide a forum for learning and growth.”4

Learning Intention

If students are offered pre-readings, pre-reading strategies, and key terms before the discussion, they will more likely state informed positions rather than opinions based on anecdotal evidence. “One prerequisite for good discussion is that participants be as fully informed as possible about the topic under consideration.”1 While pre-reading is important so that discussions are more based on facts, this should not discount lived student experience from having a role in the discussion as well.

Considerations

  • Address topics that could be controversial before discussion:4Consider including a statement in the syllabus about how discussion topics may not align with students’ belief systems and that the expectation is that learners will navigate these discussions with care and scholarly perspectives.

  • Provide alternative perspectives: Provide students with material created by authors of various identities, highlighting identities that are relevant to the class discussion.

  • Have students identify their assumptions before discussion: Ask students to identify their personally-held assumptions prior to the class discussion and encourage students to critically examine their own implicit biases. Acknowledging personal assumptions will help guide the students towards personal growth, and highlight where students may need additional resources or support in forming informed opinions. This can be a personal exercise or one shared with the instructor in advance.

  • Provide students with language prior to discussion: If students are encountering new topics, provide the correct vocabulary to use during the discussion. Discuss any words that should not be used during discussion due to connotation or historical context.

Pre-Discussion Activity2,3,4

  • Have students write down concerns about discussing difficult topics.

  • Have students get into small groups to discuss their concerns about a topic as a way of normalizing discomfort and tension surrounding discussing difficult topics.

  • Invite students to share these with the larger class.

References

  1. Brookfield, S & Preskill, S. (2005). Discussion as a way of teaching: Tools and techniques for democratic classrooms. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
  2. Merculieff, I.L., & Roderick, L. (2013). Stop Talking: Indigenous Ways of Teaching and Learning and Difficult Dialogues in Higher Education. Anchorage, AK: University of Alaska Anchorage.
  3. Thurber, A., Harbin, M.B., & Bandy, J. (2019). Teaching Race: Pedagogy and Practice. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching.