Ideas

Idea #9: Creating Physical (and Virtual) Space for Discussion

“Although moral conversation is a dialogue tool that encourages all voices to enter the conversation, we cannot ignore the power dynamics that may deter some voices from entering the process.”¹

Learning Intention

How do you change your physical (and virtual) classroom space to facilitate a meaningful discussion?

In-Person

• “If students were seated in a manner, such as a circle, that allowed them to see peers’ quizzical or perplexed expressions, it encouraged students to speak up when they needed clarification.”¹

• For larger classes, or classes that cannot be rearranged, create quarter-long work groups of 4-6 students. Rather than asking for whole class participation, ask the students to meet with this group and discuss before coming back and sharing out with the rest of the class.¹

• See Also: Idea #6: Structuring the Conversation

Virtual

• Create a sense of co-presence—“the ability to feel as though you can interact effectively with another person”²—by clearing your environment from distractions, giving students strategies to comfortably contribute (chat, raising virtual hand, waving), and ensuring you have the proper level of internet connection to avoid buffering and missed thoughts.²

• By turning on your camera and maintaining "eye contact" with students, it becomes much easier to read your tone and nonverbal cues. Encourage your students to have their cameras on for difficult conversations in order to maintain an empathetic and caring classroom environment.²

• Utilize breakout rooms to create small group sessions. Speaking to a group of screens can be daunting for some students, so by grouping them into small groups you can provide an opportunity for participation that may seem more attainable to certain students.

References

1. Howard, J. (2015). Discussion in the college classroom : Getting your students engaged and participating in person and online. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Brand.
2. Markman, A. (2019, July 8). How to Have Difficult Conversations Virtually. Harvard Business Review.