This content was published: January 31, 2025. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Posted by anne.grey
Presenters: Samm Erickson (CTLE Coordinator), Anne Grey (CTLE District Coordinator), Christina Shafer (Student Support and Intervention Coordinator), and Erin McChurch (Student Support and Intervention Coordinator).
Summary
When students enter the classroom, they bring a wide range of personal beliefs, attitudes, life experiences, and anxieties. In a complex world, these differing perspectives can sometimes lead to unexpected or difficult classroom discussions. In this session, coordinators from the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) and Student Support and Intervention share proactive tools to manage challenging conversations effectively. Presenters explore practical communication strategies, setting clear group norms, and maintaining inclusive boundaries that help every student succeed. Faculty also learn how to partner with PCC support networks—such as CARE reports and intervention services—to support students in crisis while preserving a safe, equitable, and respectful learning environment.
Presentation Slides: Navigating Difficult Conversations Presentation Slides
Presentation Outcomes
- Identify proactive classroom management strategies to set clear norms and guidelines for respectful dialogue.
- Apply empathetic communication and de-escalation techniques when intense or controversial topics arise during class.
- Distinguish between constructive academic disagreement and behavior requiring institutional support or intervention.
- Learn how and when to connect students with PCC support systems, including CARE reports and Student Support and Intervention.
- Develop inclusive teaching practices that build community resilience and foster a sense of academic belonging for all learners.
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