CAT Workshop on Approaching Difficult Conversations in Class
This message has been approved by Leslie Richardson, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching, for distribution to faculty and staff.
With a tense election coming up, many instructors are feeling anxious about handling what Lee Warren calls “hot moments” in the classroom, those times “when people’s feelings—often conflictual—rise to a point” that interferes with learning. During times when emotions are riding high, these moments can happen even in courses where the subject matter seems far removed from current events. Though some of us feel confident navigating classroom conversations that can get heated, others may dread these moments, fear saying the wrong thing, freeze up, or even change what they teach in an effort to avoid them. Since hot moments can happen in any class, it helps to be prepared. That way, you already have a plan in mind when emotions rise and it’s harder to think clearly. In this workshop, participants will discuss navigating hot moments and share strategies for maintaining a good classroom climate despite moments of conflict, including by turning hot moments into learning opportunities.
The workshop will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, via Zoom.