Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan
Enhance communication skills and empathy through structured dialogues.
To build students' ability to engage in respectful, meaningful conversations on challenging topics.
Structured dialogues and active listening exercises.
Slide Deck, Discussion Guidelines, and Empathy Building Techniques Handout
Prep
Prepare Materials and Environment
30 minutes
- Review the Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan.
- Prepare the slide deck for presentation.
- Print copies of the Discussion Guidelines and Empathy Building Techniques Handout.
- Arrange the classroom to facilitate open dialogue (e.g., circle seating).
- Familiarize yourself with the discussion topics and techniques.
Step 1
Introduction and Objective Setting
10 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the session's purpose.
- Explain the importance of courageous conversations in personal and academic growth.
- Present the objectives using the slide deck.
Step 2
Establishing Ground Rules
10 minutes
- Distribute the Discussion Guidelines.
- Discuss the importance of a safe and respectful environment.
- Encourage students to contribute to the ground rules.
Step 3
Active Listening Exercise
15 minutes
- Introduce active listening techniques using the Empathy Building Techniques Handout.
- Conduct a short exercise where students practice these techniques in pairs.
Step 4
Structured Dialogue Session
20 minutes
- Divide students into small groups.
- Assign each group a challenging topic to discuss.
- Encourage students to use active listening and empathy techniques during their discussions.
Step 5
Reflection and Debrief
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together for a group reflection.
- Ask students to share their experiences and insights.
- Discuss how these skills can be applied in everyday situations.
