#  Civil Discourse Handbook 

 



This guide is designed to equip instructors with tools and strategies to facilitate more productive conversations in the classroom while enhancing students’ ability to foster empathy and take on multiple perspectives. Each section is intended to be informative and practical, offering frameworks, intervention models, reflection activities, and discussion questions. It is structured to help create learning environments where diverse perspectives are acknowledged, conflicts are navigated constructively, critical thinking is encouraged, and self awareness is deepened. It is meant as a reference point to address specific challenges, a lesson planning tool, or a foundation for cultivating a classroom culture of civil discourse.



 

##  General Guidance on Facilitating Civil Discourse 

This section provides principles and guidelines for facilitating constructive conversations and engaging difficult or controversial topics.

 

 



  [### Facilitator Tips & Advice

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?tab=t.didjohrtn1nt)This resource is a great place to start! It describes best practices and general advice for what to avoid as a facilitator.



 

 

   ![Facilitator Tips & Advice](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Facilitator%20Tips%20%26%20Advice.png?itok=On8JRB1M) 

 



 

 

   [### Analyzing Classroom Behavior

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?tab=t.c5e49mww723y)This resource provides a list of behaviors that individual students or groups may exhibit that could hinder their learning or the productivity of a conversation, and gives examples of what may underlie the behavior and possible instructor responses.



 

 

   ![Empty lecture style classroom with podium, blackboard and wooden seats](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-05/Analyzing%20Classroom%20Behavior.png?itok=Xb8Fk-XE) 

 



 

 

   [### Participatory Facilitation

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?tab=t.c2cxjtj1k8i8)Participatory facilitation is an approach that fosters shared power, collective decision making, and active engagement. This resource is a guide to consider how participatory facilitation (instead of conventional) could enhance class discussions and



 

 

   ![Participatory Facilitation](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Participatory%20Facilitation.png?itok=Ni0Chwtu) 

 



 

 

   [### Facilitation Formats

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?tab=t.o2bqmzjzs861)As a facilitator, there are many ways to decide what format will work best for a particular discussion. These are some possible formats to use depending on your class and the topic.



 

 

   ![Facilitation Formats](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Facilitation%20Formats%202.png?itok=_ecoxtj-) 

 



 

 

   [### The Heart of a Successful Conversation: Dialogic Questions

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?tab=t.840z1cavshh4)Questions can effectively elicit people’s thoughts, beliefs, values, and feelings and encourage more productive civil discourse. This resource gives instructors a greater understanding of the necessity of good questions and can be given to students to



 

 

   ![Dialogic questions](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Sample%20reflection%20questions.png?itok=WAhZQlKO) 

 



 

 

   [### Small Group Discussion Guide

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?tab=t.depfwn8vh4dx)This is a general guide for how to lead a small group discussion with key tips of facilitators and participants, and an example script with questions.



 

 

   ![Small Group](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Small%20Group.png?itok=WLl1NgI0) 

 



 

 

  

 

 

 

 

##  Norms & Agreements 

This section examines the essential role of clearly defined norms and expectations in supporting civil discourse and constructive dialogue.

 

 



  [### Agreements & Norms

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.hgy3pt6154r5)This resource defines norms, explains their importance in the classroom and in challenging conversations, and provides variations and examples of four key norms instructors should intentionally include while facilitating civil discourse.



 

 

   ![Agreements & Norms](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Types%20of%20Norms.png?itok=0OqD5DCT) 

 



 

 

   [### Processes for Setting Norms

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.j9gb09x59o9e)This resource defines three types of process for setting norms and a guide for how to choose which process would work best for your classroom.



 

 

   ![Processes for Setting Norms](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Processes%20for%20Setting%20Norms_0.png?itok=l9U15Kuj) 

 



 

 

   [### Lesson Guides for Setting Norms

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.i45485xp2fkj)This guide has three lesson plans of different lengths (20 min, 30 min, 45 min) for instructors to use when establishing norms. This resource is helpful after deciding what process you want to use to construct norms with the class.



 

 

   ![Lesson Guides for Setting Norms](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Lesson%20Guides%20for%20Setting%20Norms_0.png?itok=JF9zlJqv) 

 



 

 

  

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##  Facilitation Moves & Intervention Techniques 

This section offers practical guidance for maintaining productive, respectful dialogue, especially when conversations become tense or emotionally charged.

 

 



  [### Calling Out vs. Calling In

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.73swrxqcajkj)As the facilitator, it’s crucial to cultivate an environment that embraces moments of tension as opportunities for learning and acknowledges that mistakes are part of growth. This resource differentiates between a "call out" and a "call in," and gives



 

 

   ![Calling Out VS Calling In](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Calling%20Out%20VS%20Calling%20In.png?itok=KrGjFRHs) 

 



 

 

   [### Facilitating "Hot Moments" in the Classroom

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.fl78cfs37qao)This resource gives facilitation strategies and example responses for when a "hot moment," a sudden eruption of tension or conflict, occurs in the classroom.



 

 

   ![Facilitating Hot Moments](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Facilitating%20Hot%20Moments.png?itok=lgNcn2p8) 

 



 

 

   [### Disagreement Intervention Framework

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.p5rvngdlyyxq)This framework defines disagreement as a potentially productive part of dialogue and aims to manage or move through disagreements rather than avoid or minimize them. It gives language to define discourse as more or less heated and provides tools for each



 

 

   ![Disagreement Intervention Framework](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Disagreement%20Intervention%20Framework.png?itok=rLaEUfs7) 

 



 

 

  

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##  Debriefs, Reflections, & Feedback 

This section provides structured tools and strategies to support the processing of civil discourse experiences.

 

 



  [### Processing Civil Discourse

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.59j82y7hzb9x)Unpacking individual and group dynamics after a political or heated discussion creates valuable opportunities for learning. It allows participants to reflect on the relevance of the discussion beyond the classroom, practice navigating disagreements, and



 

 

   ![Processing Civil Discourse](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Processing%20Civil%20Discourse%202.jpeg?itok=m5zj__tH) 

 



 

 

   [### Sample Reflection Questions

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.p0j4g794rc6g)This is a document for instructors to use or adapt when facilitating reflection.



 

 

   ![Sample reflection questions](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Sample%20reflection%20questions%202.png?itok=R8cuJkkG) 

 



 

 

   [### Sample Debrief Structure

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.ywot4h50kvuh)This is a series of questions meant to help participants debrief their conversation. It offers a script so that facilitators and/or instructors who want to facilitate a debrief do not need to come up with their own reflection questions.



 

 

   ![Sample Debrief Protocol](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Sample%20Debrief%20Protocol.png?itok=9Hpyb0Ec) 

 



 

 

  

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##  Activities 

This section provides a collection of adaptable activities designed to be integrated into existing lesson plans or used as supplemental resources.

 

 



  [### Dream Civil Discourse Conversation

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?tab=t.s2yp1p5vdyv1)A creative, fun exercise to excite students about facilitating or taking part in civil disagreements. Students create their "dream" civil disagreement conversation, deciding on their ideal facilitators, topic, and question.



 

 

   ![Dream Civil Disagreement Conversation](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Dream%20Civil%20Disagreement%20Conversation.png?itok=ugTTUC8T) 

 



 

 

   [### Mapping Echo Chambers

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.7s79h6kqwdp5)Students will analyze their social and informational environments, create a visual "map" of their echo chambers, and reflect on how these networks shape their perspectives, assumptions, and understanding of nuance. This is best paired with structured



 

 

   ![Mapping Echo Chambers](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Mapping%20Echo%20Chambers.png?itok=1uJ4QwFo) 

 



 

 

   [### Political Typology & Civic Self-Portrait

 ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pwwzLh5XxPFZXA7l6j4n9kcJss46HVJs4Dm7qwtqa4I/edit?disco=AAABksiU6Gg&tab=t.fxozsbxxtx75)This resource is meant to teach students about political typology to help them understand the complexity of their own and their classmates' political identities. A "civic self-portrait" is a visual representation of political beliefs, values, and



 

 

   ![Political Typology & Civic Self Portrait](/sites/g/files/omnuum9911/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Political%20Typology%20%26%20Civic%20Self%20Portrait%20.png?itok=jYKMeuWK) 

 



 

 

  

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