Learn about practical tools that you can use to engage students in a civil discussion about controversial topics. During this interactive webcast we will discuss your role in facilitating meaningful conversations and have the opportunity to practice two communication frameworks, including:
- Open The Front Door (OTFD) to communication
- The A.C.T.I.O.N framework
What You Will Get
Become empowered with the tools to engage controversial topics effectively in the classroom. Learn about the importance of encouraging free speech within the parameters of learning, civility, and inclusivity as a proactive means to furthering critical conversations on your campus.
Who Should Attend
Anyone concerned with free speech presenting problems in classroom environments, or anyone who would like resources on how to be more intentional about preparing for and addressing sensitive topics, should attend this training. This includes faculty, faculty developers, student services staff, administrators, etc.
Note: This training is primarily designed for face-to-face education rather than the online classroom.
Learning outcome
After participating in this online training, you will have dialogue frameworks and tools to incorporate into your classroom management strategy.
Agenda
Understanding the instructor’s ROLE in meaningful conversations
In this short introduction, we’ll tell you how to build trust and set students up for success by unpacking personal identities, biases, and privileges, as well as recognizing resistance and knowing what to do with it.
Practicing the O.T.F.D. and A.C.T.I.O.N. Frameworks
Have you ever had a negative comment derail a classroom discussion or had an incident of hate speech spiral out of control? In the bulk of the webcast, you will see and get the chance to practice in writing the use of O.T.F.D. and A.C.T.I.O.N. communication frameworks to gain the confidence and tools needed to help address the tension between free speech and civility during difficult dialogues.
Instructor
Dr. Tasha Souza, Associate Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning, Professor of Communication, Boise State University
Most recently, Dr. Souza was the Faculty Associate for Inclusive Excellence for Humboldt State University and a Fulbright scholar at the University of the West Indies in Barbados. She is a consultant on communication and pedagogy, and she has published in such areas as difficult dialogues in the classroom, addressing microaggressions with micro-resistance, communication climate, instructional communication, and intercultural conflict. Her current research is on difficult dialogues, participation, and stereotype threat in the college classroom