Tips for supporting thoughtful and respectful discussions by

All voices being heard

2022-09-15 05:23:05 UTC

Finding a creative way to allow all students to speak and be heard. (Talking stick, partners, sharing out, etc.)

Talking Pieces & Norms

2022-09-19 07:26:37 UTC

Using a talking piece and giving students the option to 'pass' on sharing without judgment gives students a chance to speak up when they really want to or value the conversation.

Alternatively, a norm such as 'step up, step back' can encourage students to share the air, as well as be brave and speak up.

background noise during 1 to 1 conversations

2022-09-20 05:52:09 UTC

Some students feel uncomfortable opening up during our one to one conversations if the classroom is very quiet. I have found playing a little music helps them feel more comfortable as their voices aren't the only sound in the room.

Identify a Real Need

jewilliams7_1 — 2022-10-24 08:42:03 UTC

Starting out by identifying an issue within the grade and adapting homeroom time to address that need.

Allow written responses

jewilliams7_1 — 2022-10-24 08:44:38 UTC

For students who are more introverted/less keen to share ideas about heavy topics in front of the group, provide a space in which students can write their thinking down.

Allow students to "pass" or not participate in group discussions.

Older students teach younger ones

jewilliams7_1 — 2022-10-24 08:46:06 UTC

Have students teach/lead discussions with younger students.

Advance Warning

2022-10-30 14:14:54 UTC

Sharing the question prompts with students ahead of the advisory/homeroom class so that they have had time to think about what it is they want to contribute to the class discussion.

DEI is a very important topic and must be addressed.

2022-12-05 14:43:52 UTC

Build from Respect

2022-12-08 18:48:09 UTC

When students don't entirely buy into such conversations, their disengagement can manifest as a real or perceived lack of respect for the space, peers, or the advisor. This has to be pre-emptively nipped in the bud to ensure all students are engaging respectfully and honestly with one another, or at least not contributing to a "bad vibe" in the conversation.

pgabane1_1 — 2023-01-09 17:40:54 UTC

I think checking how comfortable the students are as well about the topic that's going to be discussed is very important.

2023-01-09 18:34:01 UTC

I think providing a professional development for certain issues like racial discrimination, SOGIE and the like is very important before I can be comfortable discussing any of these issues. I have my own understanding about these issues but how to approach the discussion on these topics is something that I'm not familiar with yet.

Allow students to share anonymously

ekahle6 — 2023-01-09 18:40:47 UTC

Especially for sensitive topics, some students don't want to share an opinion or a question publicly because of how it will be perceived. This isn't always appropriate or feasible, but it is helpful to have the opportunity for this at times, especially if the alternative is not hearing the perspective or question at all.

Advisory Needs

pbranson3_1 — 2023-01-10 18:11:14 UTC

My students have had many conversations with me about what they feel would be beneficial to them in FLEX, and one of those things is wanting to do activities or field trips just us as a flex group such as going to the movies or having a picnic, etc.

2023-02-07 09:29:19 UTC

Allow students to discuss with each other beforehand on a neutral topic to make the room feel comfortable. This can help them feel ready to discuss 1-1, as the dynamic in the classroom will feel more receptive, even if they're not talking TO the room.

Be authentic

2024-09-27 08:41:27 UTC

Students will be more responsive and engaged if the conversations feel authentic, and not prescribed. It is important to have discussions that are genuine and purposeful, so every student's voice can be heard.