10 Ways College Faculty Are Preparing Students for Real-World Conversation

The Faculty Institute brings together educators to strengthen civil discourse in the classroom. Civil discourse is a vital skill for citizenship, collaboration, and critical thinking. Faculty learn to model openness, guide structured dialogue, and connect discussions to real-world contexts.

The following ten practices, shared by 37 Faculty Fellows, combine practical teaching strategies with hands-on activities that help students engage thoughtfully and listen critically.

1. Co-Create Classroom Norms & Agreements

Set clear expectations for respectful and engaged dialogue by involving students in creating them. Co-creating rules encourages inclusivity and ownership.

“Previous to the Institute I had embedded the co-creation of class discussion norms and standards. After the Faculty Institute, I rethought how to better develop these standards and added a question/reflection section on ‘what do you need from your instructor to help you have better conversations?’ [This] was tremendously helpful and led to really insightful commentary and important class frameworks.” — Kara Dillard, James Madison University

“It really helped to bond us as a class and that alone created a more cohesive and comfortable environment for learning.”— Ericka Poppell, York County Community College

2. Model Reflexive Facilitation

Faculty who actively demonstrate listening, curiosity, and openness to different perspectives encourage students to do the same.

“…I now spend more intentional time pausing and waiting after a student offers an opinion or an idea; I am trying to become comfortable (and, in turn, help students become comfortable) with considering viewpoints and ideas that potentially offend others.” — Laura Driver, County College of Morris

3. Integrate Case Studies & Role Play

Use real-world case studies, debates, or role-play activities to give students practice in civil discourse.

“The students seemed to enjoy the debate…It gave them a chance to think about how to understand the point of view of someone even if they didn’t sympathize or support that position.” — Eric Morser, Skidmore College

4. Use Structured Dialogue Tools

Structured exercises—like concentric circles, Socratic seminars, or fishbowl activities—help students explore multiple perspectives in a safe and organized way.

“We used many activities from the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit from Lori Britt, such as using metaphors, conversing with a partner using ‘Yes, and’ or ‘Yes, but’ statements to practice listening and building on ideas, the Surrounding the Topic exercise to think about different forms of polarization, and practicing debates where students must take a stance but practice viewing an issue through different assigned values (showcasing how this affects the way we communicate about issues).” — Katherine McCabe, Rutgers University

5. Blend Multiple Active Methods

Combine readings, reflections, debates, presentations, research, peer dialogue, and digital projects for deeper engagement. Examples from fellows include:

• A Critical Thinker’s Guide to Disinformation — Alex Gorelik, Benedict College
• Scene performances / theater for social change — Jessica Brater, Montclair State University
• Op-ed assignments addressing counterarguments — Tracy Gleason, Wellesley College
• Reciprocal listening exercises — John Draeger, SUNY Buffalo State
• Interviews with local civic leaders — Kara Dillard, James Madison University

6. Emphasize Reflective Practice

Encourage journaling or end-of-class reflections to deepen self-awareness and strengthen civil engagement.

“The most important was the journal I had students keep throughout the semester. This was a crucial way for them to practicing listening critically (in the best sense of the term) to others in the class and preparing purposeful responses. It became clear to me in our Faculty Institute that listening is as much a part of civic dialogue as speaking, so I really leaned into that in this class.”
— Paul Stob, Vanderbilt University

7. Prepare for and Normalize ‘Hot Moments’

Address challenging situations directly. Offer strategies to pause, reflect, and normalize discomfort as part of learning and growth.

“I also incorporated a ‘Flag on the Play’ approach, which worked well…as it gave students permission to ‘throw a flag’ on something that was said. They seemed more willing to offer a different perspective once I gave them their ‘flags.’” — Felicia Williams, Butler University

8. Connect Discourse to Real-World Contexts

Link classroom discussions to civic life and current events and involve students in selecting discussion topics whenever possible.

“I offered many different avenues for students to share topic ideas that they were interested in discussing in the classroom: casual chats in our cafe on campus, private discussions in small (2-3 student) groups before or after class, 20-minute discussions in lecture across the entire classroom, a topic idea box so students could anonymously submit topic ideas for future discussions.” — Ericka Poppell, York County Community College

9. Build Community through Rituals and Peer Collaboration

Use icebreakers, small group forums, and peer dialogue to strengthen trust, belonging, and intellectual community.

“The course had previously focused on self-reflection with some element of intentional student engagement. This version ramped up intentional student engagement. During course evaluations, some students reported this was the most valuable part of the course. For me, I noticed an enhanced sense of intellectual community.” — John Draeger, SUNY Buffalo State

10. Continue Faculty Learning and Peer Support

Participate in professional development, share strategies with colleagues, and adapt practices based on feedback.

“We formed a Dialogue Across Difference Working Group… and have been curating a series of workshops and discussions to provide peer resources for civil discourse.” — Jessica Brater, Montclair State University

“I have convened a total of 5 faculty workshops and will be launching a microsite this spring…The workshops are 2 hours in length, provide a theoretical foundation, resources, and frequent opportunities for practicing.” — Elizabeth Matto, Rutgers University

These peer-contributed practices show that fostering civil discourse is a shared, evolving effort. Success requires adaptability, empathy, and continuous learning. Faculty leadership in this work shapes both student growth and campus culture.