How to Create an Open and Respectful Classroom Climate

Faculty: This page includes suggestions for keeping the classroom environment respectful and healthy as students develop and share their advocacy projects.

Invite the class to create an agreement to foster a safe discussion environment. They may include:

1. Stay engaged (Remove distractions)

2. Speak your truth (Talk about your own self, life, and story, rather than those of others)

3. Experience discomfort (Stay in the conversation, even when you are uncomfortable)

4. Expect/accept non-closure (Some things will remain unclear)

5. Ouch! (We may feel hurt by what we hear – please speak up when this happens)

6. Use "I" statements when talking about personal experiences

7. Listen first and ask clarifying questions

8. Don't interrupt people and be present. No cell phones or distractions