Empowering Students to Have Difficult Conversations

ABSTRACT Classroom discussions of current events and controversial topics can devolve into unproductive and highly charged debates. This article describes an in-class exercise used to foster respect during difficult conversations by encouraging students to design rules for discussions and guidelines to create a safe space for dialogue. This activity relies on three underlying principles: trust, empowerment, and empathy. These principles can be integrated into a broader pedagogical approach that emphasizes a democratic classroom and active learning. Student feedback shows that the intervention can be useful for promoting respectful and engaging discussions during moments of tension and polarization. However, an emphasis on civility also may undermine the diversity of opinions and require respecting students’ silences.