Lesson Plan
Respectful Discussion Challenge Plan
Students practice respectful discussion techniques using structured phrases in small group settings to enhance their communication and critical thinking skills.
This lesson builds critical communication skills, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment that values diverse perspectives.
Audience
11th Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive group discussion with structured response practices.
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Respectful Discussion Challenge Plan and accompanying slides and game instructions.
- Prepare a list of discussion topics appropriate for 11th-grade students.
- Familiarize yourself with the role of the comment tracker and the rotation process for assigning roles.
Step 1
Introduction and Role Assignment
3 minutes
- Introduce the Respectful Discussion Challenge and explain the importance of respectful, structured conversations.
- Present the structured response phrases, such as "I agree with ___ because…" and "I see what ___ is saying, but I think…".
- Divide students into small groups and assign the role of comment tracker to one member per group.
Step 2
Discussion Rounds
7 minutes
- Provide each group with a discussion topic and instruct them to start every comment with one of the provided phrases.
- The comment tracker in each group monitors the discussion and notes deviations or exceptional contributions.
- Rotate roles if time permits to allow multiple students to serve as the comment tracker.
Step 3
Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Gather the class for a brief debrief on the discussion experience.
- Ask a few students to share their insights about using the structured phrases.
- Summarize the session by highlighting the importance of respectful communication in diverse discussions.
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Slide Deck
Respectful Discussion Challenge
Welcome! Today we’ll practice respectful discussion through an interactive game. Let's work together to communicate with respect and clarity.
Welcome the class and introduce the Respectful Discussion Challenge. Emphasize the importance of respectful communication and structured conversations. Mention that today they will practice using designated phrases for every comment.
Session Overview
• Small group discussions with assigned roles
• Each group has a comment tracker
• All responses must start with structured phrases
Describe the session's structure. Explain that students will be divided into small groups, each with a comment tracker, and each discussion comment must begin with one of the provided phrases.
Structured Response Phrases
Examples:
- "I agree with ___ because…"
- "I see what ___ is saying, but I think…"
Use these phrases to start every comment.
Introduce the structured response phrases to guide the discussion. Encourage students to use these exact phrases to ensure clarity and respect.
Discussion Rounds
• Discuss the assigned topic in your small group
• Every comment must start with one of the structured phrases
• The comment tracker monitors the discussion
• Roles can be rotated for diverse practice
Explain how the discussion rounds work. Remind teachers to enforce the rule on starting every comment with the provided phrases and to rotate the comment tracker role if time allows.
Wrap-Up & Reflection
• Reflect on your experience using structured phrases
• Share insights on respectful communication
• Questions and feedback
Thank you for participating!
Wrap up the session by inviting a few students to share their experiences and any insights gained from the structured discussions. Reinforce the value of respectful communication.
Game
Respectful Discussion Challenge Game
The Respectful Discussion Challenge Game is designed to help 11th-grade students practice respectful communication and active listening through structured discussion. Follow the instructions below to set up and run the game within a 15-minute session.
Game Setup
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Divide the Class: Organize students into small groups of 4-5 members. Ensure that each group includes a designated "comment tracker."
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Assign Roles: Within each group, one student starts as the comment tracker. This role will rotate after each discussion round, giving all students the opportunity to facilitate and monitor the conversation.
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Prepare Discussion Topics: Prepare a list of discussion topics that are age-appropriate, ranging from current events to ethical dilemmas or future aspirations. Distribute a different topic to each group.
How to Play
Round 1: Introduction and Practice
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Topic Announcement: The teacher announces the first discussion topic. Encourage groups to ask clarifying questions if needed.
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Structured Communication: In your group, every comment must start with one of the following structured phrases:
- "I agree with ___ because…"
- "I see what ___ is saying, but I think…"
Make sure every response adheres to these guidelines for respectful communication.
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Comment Tracker's Role: The comment tracker listens and monitors the conversation, noting any responses that deviate from the set phrases. They also highlight particularly thoughtful or respectful contributions.
Round 2: Role Rotation and Deeper Discussion
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Rotate Roles: Switch the comment tracker role so that a different student can take on the responsibility. This rotation allows everyone to experience both speaking and facilitating.
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New Discussion Topic: Announce a new discussion topic to keep the conversation dynamic and engaging.
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Continued Structured Responses: Maintain the rule of starting every comment with one of the structured phrases. The new comment tracker continues to guide the discussion by monitoring adherence and noting great contributions.
Post-Game Reflection
After the rounds are complete, bring the class together for a brief reflection session:
- Debrief: Ask students to share their experiences. What challenges did they face in sticking to the structured phrases?
- Insights: Invite comments on how using these phrases might improve everyday discussions, both in and outside the classroom.
- Feedback: Collect feedback on the game to help refine future sessions.
Tips for Success
- Ensure that all groups have a clear understanding of their roles and the structured phrases before starting the game.
- Encourage an open and supportive environment where every voice is heard, and respectful disagreements are valued.
- Use the comment trackers’ notes to provide constructive feedback at the end of the session.
Have fun, and remember: respectful communication is the foundation of meaningful discussions!