All too often teachers find themselves in front of classrooms facing an uncomfortable silence after asking a question or opening an opportunity for interaction. Sometimes challenging conversations take a life of their own, and can quickly become uncomfortable. Dynamic and constructive discourse in the classroom never just happens. Rather than seeing classroom conversations as episodic or spontaneous moments, faculty who enjoy regular classroom conversations understand that classroom conversations are a process. That is, such conversations are the result of meticulous planning, thoughtful rehearsal, and cultivated trust.

In this session, guest facilitator Dr. Terry Nance (Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Chief Diversity Officer; and Professor of Communication, Villanova University) will guide faculty through this topic of particular importance in these challenging times.
   
The goal of this session is to offer a clear definition of constructive classroom conversations and outline the steps toward laying the foundation for such conversations.
   
Faculty taking this workshop will be able to:

• Know the four components of constructive classroom conversations
• List and discuss five steps in creating a thoughtful process for constructive classroom conversations.   

During this interactive workshop, participants will engage in simulations that prepare students for conversations and discuss strategies for managing tensions that may arise.