Introducing controversial topics
How do you frame a discussion so that it doesn’t devolve into a harmful exchange? Here are some tips:
- Communicate the learning objectives or opportunities associated (for example, the inclusion of a range of perspectives, which would serve to deepen learning of a particular topic).
- Encourage students to listen to understand. Acknowledge that students may have a great deal that they wish to say but that crafting their replies before they have meaningfully listened to and understood a point is detrimental to debate.
- Encourage students to seek clarification or further explanation (for example, “Can you tell me more…”); recognizing that communication styles are not uniform, and words can hold different meanings.
- Debrief at the end of classes by asking students about what different ideas they have learned from the discussion.
- Follow up with an email to the entire class with resources and supports.
The University of British Columbia also provides a rich resource on establishing conditions for Respectful Dialogue and Debate.