Navigating Difficult Dialogues in the Classroom √ § *

From the dining room table to the classroom, learning how to dialogue across differences is more important than ever. This workshop is geared toward helping faculty repurpose dialogue skills to set up classrooms where students are focused on building relationships across difference and adding to the common pool of knowledge rather than trying to prove themselves right and their “opponent” wrong. We will review the theory behind intergroup dialogue as a pedagogy, and practice some of the key elements that help create a brave classroom space where conflict is greeted as a learning opportunity.

Some of the activities and approaches we will discuss include: UMBC Interact Curriculum, the differences between Dialogue/Debate/Discussion, establishing brave spaces, active listening, setting up group norms, responding to and managing triggers, understanding values, the importance of vulnerability, and a testimonials exercise. This workshop will be facilitated by Jasmine A. Lee, Director of Inclusive Excellence in the Division of Student Affairs.