In the Classroom

General Tips

From Center for Teaching 

Developed under the guidance of Center for Teaching staff, these student-developed guides provide valuable insights into fostering inclusive and equitable classrooms, creating impactful learning environments, and building connections with students.

Class Activity: Perspectives

The Perspectives program from the Constructive Dialogue Institute features up to six virtual lessons focused on enhancing communication and collaboration skills. Faculty members can utilize the platform to foster a classroom environment that promotes open dialogue, critical thinking, and solution-oriented discussions. The resources offered help faculty navigate challenging conversations while building a respectful learning space. 

Issue Discussion Guides

Discussion guides help create more successful dialogue by providing structure and framing that encourages informed, thoughtful exchanges. They guide participants away from adversarial "either/or" debates toward deeper exploration of multiple perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and reflective conversation. 

Class Activity: College Bowl

Unify America’s College Bowl is a unique opportunity for students across the U.S. to engage in meaningful, civil discourse. It focuses on problem-solving through cross-campus, one-on-one video conversations. Faculty are encouraged to incorporate the event into their courses or offer extra credit, as the initiative aligns with objectives such as fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration. The program emphasizes discussions on pressing national issues and provides students a chance to meet peers from diverse backgrounds, creating a platform for mutual understanding. 

Class Activity: Collaborative Discussion Toolkit

The Collaborative Discussion Project is a tool designed to foster meaningful discussions among students and faculty, focusing on building critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. It provides an interactive platform where participants engage in guided conversations around specific topics, enhancing the learning experience through active participation. Faculty can use it to facilitate structured dialogues, track student participation, and encourage deeper engagement with course materials. It aims to create a more collaborative classroom environment, supporting both online and in-person teaching settings.