Whether planned or spur of the moment, discussing sensitive topics in a space that is respectful and comfortable for students can be difficult. However, setting up ground rules beforehand, or as a class, can help create an environment where students are free to express themselves. 

As you plan these rules, there are some important ones to consider: Language, Listening, Speaking, and Time Limits. 

  • With language, keep it clean and do not allow derogatory terms. Inform students there may be times that you will interrupt them to correct their language or how they refer to a group of people. Put in place a way for students to correct derogatory terms. Remind students this is their chance to practice speaking for a global audience. For some subject matter, certain offensive terms cannot be avoided. Make it clear when it is or is not appropriate to use such language or use alternative ways of referencing those terms. Avoid pressuring students to use language they are uncomfortable with.  

  • Have students take notes as they listen to the speaker and their thoughts. Discourage interruptions and encourage active listening. You can come up with hand signals or create signs to cue students when it is time to speak or listen. Save interruptions for special circumstances. This can be related to words that are said, time limits, or when the conversation is so heated that the class needs a break. 

  • Speaking to a group effectively will depend on a student’s experience. For planned conversations, have students research the topic from different perspectives. This doesn’t mean they will speak from those perspectives, but it should give them some insight into how to speak on a topic effectively and respectfully. Sometimes you will have to guide students to view a topic from a different perspective. So be prepared with guided questions that you can use consistently with all topic discussions. It’s not about changing a student’s mind about the topic; you want them to be conscious of and sensitive to their audience. 

  • Use time limits to help the class stay on task and allow enough opportunity for students to speak. Most controversial topics are connected to other topics for discussion and can derail the whole conversation. Time limits can help you, as a facilitator, redirect the focus back to the original topic. Practice having a statement ready that helps you redirect the conversation without dismissing the student’s concern. Time limits also give you a chance to address comments or language that may not be appropriate without interrupting a student mid-sentence. You can also use time limits to allow breaks in a conversation. If a topic becomes very intense, a break can allow students a chance to cool down and give you a chance to decide if it needs to continue. 

These are just a few techniques that can help you manage difficult topics. Keep in mind that the rules are not there to stifle conversation. Use them to keep discussions on topic and respectful.