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While participating in these conversations, students need to feel safe and not fear retaliation for comments they make during the discussion. To support this, teachers can set ground rules for these kind of discussions early in the year: During this time, it is also important to discuss the concepts of empathy and perspective.

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 Listen respectfully, without interrupting.
 Respect one another’s views.
 Criticize ideas, not individuals.
 Commit to learning, not debating.  Avoid blame and speculation.
 Avoid inflammatory language

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Before facilitating or engaging in these type of conversations it it important that you consider your own biases or confusion surrounding the issue.

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-How have you come to know what you know or think what you think?

-Why have you valued some information or sources over others?

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Because the United States has become increasingly racially diverse, so have our schools and classrooms.  It is important to remember that each of the students in your classroom comes from a unique background (regardless of race) and has had different experiences.

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Give students the opportunity to express their views and make it your goal to understand, value and respect the backgrounds and experiences that formed them.

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While conversations about such topics can arise at any moment, we must try ti get the most out of the discussion.  When possible state an objective for the discussion that connects to the curriculum or standards.

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We should constantly remind ourselves and students that participation in these conversations provide opportunities engage in experiences that develop fairmindedness, and encourage recognition and serious consideration of opposing points of view, respect for well-supported positions, sensitivity to cultural similarities and differences, and a commitment to individual and social responsibility

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Research suggests assigning readings or showing a video clip about a particular conflict or topic to prompt discussion. By doing so, it allows others to gain awareness on the topic and of others' views.

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It is importance that we do not dominate the discussion or just passively observe.

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What we can do to intervene as facilitators:

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What we can do to intervene as facilitators:

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 Provide reminders about respecting the right of others to have differing opinions
 re-word questions posed by students
 correct misinformation
 ask for clarification
 review the main points
 make reference to relevant reading materials or course content.

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Sometimes these conversations may become intense or heated. During all times it we should protect students from feeling personally attacked.

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To redirect students, remind them that it is okay to disagree, but to keep comments focused on the ideas and not the people who share their ideas.

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Going off of tip #7, because there is a possibility that some students may get angry or upset, it is very important to remain calm and try to turn this into a learning experience for students as the facilitator.

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Don’t avoid the issue, but do defer it until you make a plan for dealing with it if necessary

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At the end of the discussion, summarize the main points. You can also ask students for quick written feedback about the discussion, which you can discuss during the next class.

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Allowing students to summarize provides opportunities for student to recall, review and reflect upon the content of the discussion.

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Time for reflection is important because if gives students the opportunity to think back to the comments made by other students, especially those they may disagree with. It is also beneficial to allow students to record their reflections in writing. In doing so, the shy or less talkative students have an opportunity to respond privately while allowing them time to unwind as well.

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Ask students to think about whether there are new ideas, opinions or opportunities
for further discussions, awareness and reflection.

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Moore, A. L., & Deshaies, M., (2014) Ten tips for facilitating classroom discussions on sensitive topics.

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5. Provide a Common Base for Understanding
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Research suggests assigning readings or showing a video clip about a particular conflict or topic to prompt discussion. By doing so, it allows others to gain awareness on the topic and of others' views. 
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