Strategy 4: Managing a Crisis

If you find yourself in a discussion that is out of control or threatens learning...

• Never attempt to ignore the conflict.
• Step back, let the situation cool off, buy yourself time to think.
• Acknowledge the speaker or tension and redirect the conversation:
  “For now, let’s agree to disagree on (this topic)” …, do a quick write, take a 5 min break…, and we will revisit it on…
• Return to the conversation on a different day after you have had a chance to assess the situation and consult with colleagues and/or university resources.
• Ask students to write a short reflection paper about the conflict that requires more research about the topic and/or argue for the position they oppose.
• Bring in an outside facilitator to move the conversation forward.

Difficult Dialogues Resources and References

• Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom, Dereck Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University, 2000, Practical advice on how to manage our students and ourselves in moments of conflict including how to turn difficult encounters into learning opportunities.