Challenging Classroom Conversations

Many topics may enter your classroom discussions that you or your students may find challenging or emotionally complex. Though sometimes difficult to navigate, these conversations can lead to significant learning. Oftentimes, you can plan for challenging discussions and take proactive steps to ensure a productive conversation that contributes to student learning. Other times, these topics may arise spontaneously, and you may need to decide how to proceed in the moment. This guide provides best practices for managing challenging conversations and suggestions for preventing and responding to various situations instructors may encounter.

Proactive Preparation for Challenging Moments

Difficult situations may arise in your classroom regardless of how well you plan. However, you can take proactive steps to communicate your expectations for student behavior and to foster an inclusive classroom climate that supports challenging conversations. Learn more about proactive preparation for challenging moments. 

Addressing Challenging Language and Behavior

Regardless of how well you prepare, you may encounter situations where students use words or behavior that may be intentionally or unintentionally harmful to the course climate, to the instructor, and to students who are targeted or marginalized by the words or actions of others. Although each situation will be context-specific and require a tailored response, this section provides general recommendations that you may apply in various scenarios. Included are suggestions for responding to behavior that you feel is offensive, racist, and otherwise detrimental to learning. Learn more about addressing challenging language and behavior.