Episode #49: Difficult Conversation Scripts

In Episode #49 of Simon Says: Educate, host Ronald Lethcoe and the full Teaching and Learning Center team discuss strategies for navigating difficult conversations in the classroom, especially in a tense pre-election environment. Dean Kristin Copeland emphasizes the importance of fostering neutrality, support, and respect in any discourse, while Curriculum Specialists Geoff Cain and James Shumate stress preparation and script-based responses to help de-escalate heated discussions. They recommend creating co-developed classroom norms, staying neutral, and using scripts to manage challenging conversations thoughtfully. Faculty are encouraged to prioritize mutual respect and to reach out to the Teaching and Learning Center for further support. For the accompanying PPT and list of scripts, please visit: https://cptc.libguides.com/TLC/simon-says-educate-49