Community of Practice, Discussion + Civil Dialogue
A page within Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning (CATL)
CATL is hosting a Community of Practice for AY 2024-25 to share and explore how instructors can foster civil dialogue and meaningful discussions in the classroom. We aim to build on the momentum from The Discussion Project hosted in May 2024, and continue these cross-campus conversations about promoting productive dialogue and engagement in our classes. UWL instructors who are interested in, or already incorporating, strategies for guiding discussions on complex topics are encouraged to join. This community provides an opportunity to share, reflect on, and develop approaches for encouraging thoughtful discourse, with a goal of disseminating our insights across the university.
Potential topics include:
- Encouraging civil dialogue in diverse classrooms
- Managing difficult or contentious conversations
- Techniques for fostering respectful discussion
- Guiding students in articulating differing viewpoints
- Balancing open dialogue with maintaining classroom harmony
- Strategies for promoting critical thinking through conversation
- Incorporating dialogue into Eagle Advantage competencies
Target Population
This Community of Practice is intended to connect instructors who are engaging with or interested in using structured dialogue and discussion in their classrooms. We are seeking a diverse range of perspectives and experiences related to fostering civil discourse in academic settings.
What are the benefits of participation?
Participating in this Community of Practice provides instructors with:
- An opportunity to be intentional, specific, and clear about fostering meaningful discussions and student engagement
- Independence and flexibility to enhance courses by identifying strategies that suit their unique classroom environments
- Time to develop collegiality by building a supportive and encouraging network
- A space to transform theory and research into actionable teaching practices
- An avenue to pursue knowledge and skills that promote civil discourse and open dialogue
- Insight and materials that may be valuable for promotion and tenure processes
Who can participate?
Anyone interested in fostering meaningful and civil dialogue in their classes is welcome. We are seeking a variety of approaches and viewpoints to enrich these conversations.
What is the time commitment?
Participation over the academic year would require approximately 15 to 20 hours of your time.
Meetings are designed to connect people who may not typically interact, providing a shared space to communicate, share information, and explore new possibilities. Readings, resources, and thought-provoking questions will be provided ahead of meetings, and participants are encouraged to continue exploring these ideas between sessions.
Date for Fall 2024 - TBD
Facilitator
Ashley Edwards - CATL Inclusive Teaching Specialist & Associate Professor, Communication Studies
Learn more about COP.
Want to participate in a future Community of Practice? Want to learn more about communities of practice? Have a theme idea for a COP? Contact CATL@uwlax.edu to discuss your ideas and interest.