Given the current controversies in education today, there are a multitude of educational discussions occurring each day in a variety of settings. While many of these discussions are civil and productive, there are just as many that are unpleasant and unsettling.
Recently, we were a part of a discussion with several educators who are passionate teachers and strong advocates. We were meeting to discuss an educational issue that we all have strong feelings about.
One of two things could have happened. The conversation could have become passionately positive or overwhelmingly negative. We chose passionately positive and all participants left the discussion feeling better than when we entered. It wasn’t pure luck that the conversation went that way. We followed an algorithm-of-sorts for keeping discussions Passionate and Positive:
A + B + C + D= Passionately Positive Discussions
A= Always talk to the right people. If you want to be energized, pull people into the discussion who are passionate and positive. The more positive voices in the conversation, the less likely negative voices are to speak up. If you have enough passion in the group, even those with less enthusiasm will feel the influence of the others and be inspired.
B= Be clear about expectations. Establish ground rules for your discussion. It’s fine to start out the discussion by saying, “Let’s keep this positive. We are all passionate but we need to remember that we will get nothing accomplished if we turn this into a complaint session.” Being proactive and stating optimistic expectations upfront will be worth it. It is much more difficult to try and turn around a conversation once it has become hostile or depressing.
C= Concentrate on solutions. Recognize the problems and what led to them but focus your passion and energy on the solutions. Too much dwelling on the problems can drain the group’s energy. Solutions, brainstormed by passionate advocates, are full of momentum, excitement, and promise.
D= Don’t forget the food. If you want a positive discussion, bring food. There is a feeling of comradery when we share food around a table. Plus, it seems we are all a little more at ease with a chocolate or an appetizer in hand.
All of these elements combined amount to an educational discussion that is passionate and positive. In fact, your discussion will be passionately positive!
What additional components do you add to your algorithm to make educational discussions more passionately and positive? Please share.
We wish you many such conversations in your near future.
Leave a Reply