Replication Data for: Empowering Students to Have Difficult Conversations

Classroom discussions of current events and controversial topics can devolve into unproductive and highly charged debates. This article describes an in-class exercise used to foster respect during difficult conversations, by encouraging students to design rules for discussions and guidelines for creating a safe space for dialogue. This activity relies on three underlying principles: trust, empowerment and empathy. These principles can be integrated into a broader pedagogical approach, which emphasizes a democratic classroom and active learning. Student feedback shows that the intervention can be useful for promoting respectful and engaging discussions during moments of tension and polarization. But an emphasis on civility may also undermine the diversity of opinions, and require respecting student silences.

课堂上针对时事与争议性议题的讨论，往往会演变为缺乏成效且情绪高度激化的争辩。本文介绍了一项课堂练习活动，旨在通过引导学生制定讨论规则与构建安全对话空间的指导准则，在艰难的对话场景中培育尊重氛围。该活动依托三项核心原则：信任、赋能与共情。上述原则可融入更宏观的教学范式中，该范式强调民主课堂与主动学习。学生反馈表明，此项干预举措有助于在局势紧张与观点极化的场景中，推动形成富有尊重性且引人投入的讨论。但过度强调言行得体，亦可能削弱观点多样性，且需尊重学生的沉默表达。