Lesson 1 Vygotsky's

To encourage students to respectfully challenge each other's perspectives during class

discussions, you can implement the following strategies:

1. Establish a safe and inclusive classroom environment:

- Create a classroom culture that values open-mindedness, respect, and constructive
dialogue
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Set clear expectations for respectful communication and behavior during discussions
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Encourage students to embrace diversity and appreciate different perspectives
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Foster a sense of belonging and ensure that all students feel comfortable expressing
their opinions
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).

2. Teach active listening skills:

- Dedicate time to explicitly teach and practice active listening skills, such as maintaining
eye contact, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions
[[2]](https://gsehd.gwu.edu/articles/10-strategies-build-student-collaboration-classroom).
- Encourage students to listen attentively to their peers' viewpoints without interrupting or
dismissing them
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Model active listening during class discussions to demonstrate its importance
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).

3. Provide guidelines for respectful challenge:

- Establish guidelines for respectful challenge that emphasize critiquing ideas rather than
individuals
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Encourage students to ask probing questions and provide evidence to support their
arguments
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Teach students how to express disagreement in a respectful and constructive manner
[[2]](https://gsehd.gwu.edu/articles/10-strategies-build-student-collaboration-classroom).
- Remind students to avoid personal attacks or offensive language during discussions
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
4. Promote critical thinking:
- Teach students critical thinking skills, such as analyzing evidence, evaluating arguments,
and considering multiple perspectives
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Encourage students to question assumptions and biases, both in their own thinking and
in the perspectives of others
[[2]](https://gsehd.gwu.edu/articles/10-strategies-build-student-collaboration-classroom).
- Provide opportunities for students to engage in structured debates or role-playing
activities that require them to defend their viewpoints
[[2]](https://gsehd.gwu.edu/articles/10-strategies-build-student-collaboration-classroom).

5. Facilitate structured discussions:

- Use discussion prompts or guiding questions that encourage students to consider
different viewpoints
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).
- Incorporate small group discussions to allow students to engage in more intimate and
focused conversations
[[2]](https://gsehd.gwu.edu/articles/10-strategies-build-student-collaboration-classroom).
- Assign roles or responsibilities within the discussion groups, such as a devil's advocate or
a mediator, to encourage respectful challenge
[[2]](https://gsehd.gwu.edu/articles/10-strategies-build-student-collaboration-classroom).
- Monitor and guide the discussions to ensure that all students have an opportunity to
participate and challenge each other's perspectives
[[1]](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult-classroo
m-discussions/index.html).

---
Learn more:
1. [Managing Difficult Classroom Discussions: Diversity and Inclusion: Teaching Resources:
Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning: Indiana University
Bloomington](https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/managing-difficult
-classroom-discussions/index.html)
2. [10 Strategies to Build on Student Collaboration in the Classroom |
GSEHD](https://gsehd.gwu.edu/articles/10-strategies-build-student-collaboration-classroom)
3. [Six Tips to Encourage Student Participation in Class
Discussions](https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-most-effective-ways-encourage-studen
ts-participate-rchof)