Managing challenging discussions in the classroom

Maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all

Practical strategies and considerations for facilitating and managing discussions on challenging, contentious and triggering topics in the classroom (in person and virtual).

In this collection

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What are challenging discussions?

Potential challenging topics and your responsibilities and limitations.

Key strategies

Some key strategies you can use to manage discussions on challenging topics.

Start of semester

Actions from the start of semester to reduce the risk of student distress from challenging, contentious, or triggering topics.

Preparing yourself and your students

There are some things that you can do to prepare both yourself and your students for challenging discussions.

Before a discussion

Key actions that you can take before engaging in a potentially challenging discussion with your students to reduce risk.

During the discussion

Strategies that can reduce the risk of student discussions becoming disrespectful or unsafe.

After the discussion

Ideas to work with students to synthesise what has been shared or identify the key issues explored.

Support services

Support services available to ANU students and ANU staff.

Inclusive design and teaching in action

Resources, events and blogs that promote a safe and respectful learning environment for students and staff.

Change and reflections

With an extensive teaching career to his name, Xin Hou, from the Research School of Biology, is well accustomed to change; one of his big adjustments involved a move to ANU from China, just over a decade ago.

Soft Skills in the Classroom

In education, grades serve as indicators of performance, enabling students to reflect on their learning journey and strategically develop skills that will be relevant to their

Accessible digital content

How to develop digital course content that accommodates all learners.

Managing classroom discussions on challenging topics

Meet our panelists for the upcoming Lunch Vox in September: Managing classroom discussions on challenging topics

View event

Fostering connection at the start of the semester – Tips and tricks from students

Earlier this year, the ANU Service Experience team (previously Experience Accelerator) interviewed remote overseas students about their online learning experience (find out more about the project).

Health and Wellbeing for students: Group programs

As Semester 1 starts, most of us will be welcoming new students into our classrooms or programs.