Simple Steps to Navigate Difficult Classroom Discussions

Key points:

At some point in their career, every teacher will find themselves having a difficult discussion with their students. The first took place shortly after I began teaching. It involved one of my students coming up to me and (no joke) declaring that eating your snot made you healthier. This, of course, is nonsense, and I told the student that he should use a tissue to wipe his nose. However, the student refused to admit his point and we ended up having a very intense argument about boogers.

This experience really taught me a valuable lesson. As teachers, we never know when strange, uncomfortable, or controversial discussions will begin in our classrooms. How we choose to respond to these discussions will have a significant impact on our students' growth. If we want to have these conversations effectively, we must be prepared. Here are some simple steps to start tackling difficult discussions in the classroom.

Identify a clear purpose​

Start your discussion with a clearly stated objective. This allows you to guide the conversation and connect it to your learning objectives. It might even be helpful to post the objectives somewhere in your classroom where everyone can see and recognize them. While we want our students to embrace their curiosity, these conversations also require structure. Otherwise, it is easy for students to get sidetracked by superfluous ideas.

Establishing ground rules

Once the goal is set, it's time to establish some ground rules. This can really make or break the entire discussion because students need to be in a place where they feel safe to address something controversial. Collaborate with students to create or modify discussion prompts and make sure everyone agrees before you begin. This will avoid tensions during discussions and prevent students from talking. in each other instead of to with each other and help them focus on the ideas in front of them. ​

Provide a basis for understanding.

It is important that everyone participating in the discussion understands the topic at hand. They need to recognize that people have different perspectives and perhaps why they have those perspectives. Use readings, videos, or student-contributed materials to establish a shared understanding of the topic. Be sure to encourage students to share key points and distinguish between facts and opinions.

Create a frame​

Take things slow and start by asking open-ended questions that encourage discussion without leading to specific answers. Ask students to consider why some people may have different opinions on the topic. Does it personally affect anyone in the class? What do scientists or professionals have to say about this topic? Be sure to stay alert and redirect the discussion if it goes off track. Finally, summarize key points to maintain focus and encourage students to write down any questions they may have for later.

include everyone​

This conversation doesn't have to be a dialogue between you and a single student. If they feel comfortable, invite other students to share their thoughts and observations. Certain students may be more familiar with a topic than others. This not only provides an opportunity for diverse viewpoints, but also encourages students to practice their social-emotional learning as a class. Are they being clear in their communication? Are they demonstrating self-awareness? These things can be as important as the questions themselves.

Be an active facilitator​

Guide the discussion by rephrasing questions, clarifying points, and ensuring that all perspectives are considered. Be mindful of sharing personal views and their influence on student engagement. Remember, your students admire and respect you (yes, really!). How you answer these questions will determine how many of them will participate in the conversation. It may be difficult, but you must be a neutral party in this conversation.

Summarize and collect comments

So, you've done all this work to have a deep, meaningful conversation with your students. It is time to conclude the discussion in a way that allows students to remember what they have learned and prioritize the facts. It is best to end discussions with a summary of key points and give students time to reflect in some way (perhaps writing, drawing, etc.) on what they learned and write down any remaining questions they may have.

Leading students through highly charged conversations can be difficult, but it is a responsibility every educator assumes the moment they enter the classroom. By answering their questions respectfully, we can help students explore the world around them and create an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued. These discussions are how we lay the foundation for our students' future learning. So, let's make sure we are prepared for anything.