During the 2024 Fall Semester, I had the privilege of facilitating the Interactivity Foundation’s five-workshop series, “Five Practices for Better College Discussions”. Throughout each session, I actively engaged with students, guiding them as they worked on honing critical skills that will serve them in all areas of life. We focused on topics such as co-creation, asking better questions, and understanding the difference between intention and perception. Over the course of three months, I watched as participants developed skills that enhanced not only their academic performance but also their personal growth and professional development. These skills allowed them to approach challenges in a more thoughtful, reflective way, equipping them with tools for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Although I have had the opportunity to engage with various Interactivity Foundation Programs before, including serving as a Collaborative Discussion Coach, this workshop series felt especially meaningful. Each session was unique, as I saw students from across the United States come together virtually, bringing a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences. It was inspiring to witness how, despite having various reasons for attending, each participant left with a better understanding of themselves and how to engage in discussions that go beyond surface-level interactions. The connections they made with one another, often with people they had never met before, fostered a deeper level of empathy and insight into how to communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
“I saw students from across the United States come together virtually, bringing a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences”
What I found most rewarding was seeing students fully immerse themselves in the process of exploration, despite the virtual setting. I observed students engage deeply with challenging topics. By the end of each session, I saw growth that wasn’t just reflected in increased participation in the conversation or the more frequent use of their cameras, but in the meaningful reflections they shared and the deeper skills they developed in the process.
One session that stands out to me was our exploration of “Either/Or Thinking” using an activity from the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit. We used the activity to examine moral dilemmas, and the resulting conversations were more profound than I could have anticipated. The students began to see how personal values influence the way we perceive situations and make decisions. It was powerful to witness how the group realized it’s not always easy to consider something “right” when it contradicts a deeply-held value. This realization sparked a shift in how they approached complex issues, leading to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the polarization we see around various ideas today. It also led them to reflect on how personal biases shape their perspectives, and how being aware of these biases can lead to more open-minded and thoughtful conversations.
“This realization sparked a shift in how they approached complex issues, leading to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the polarization we see around various ideas today.”
As I reflect on the challenges we face today, I recognize how difficult it can be for people to have meaningful interactions. In our fast-paced, information-overloaded world, technology often acts as a barrier to face-to-face communication, and curated “explore pages” can limit our exposure to diverse viewpoints. The convenience of quickly accessing information often makes us less inclined to engage in the kind of thoughtful, inquisitive discourse that strengthens our understanding of complex issues. However, the “Five Practices for Better College Discussions” series and other programs offered by the Interactivity Foundation provide much-needed opportunities to break through these barriers. These workshops help students grow not only in academic settings but also as active, engaged members of society. I firmly believe that the skills students develop through these programs—such as how to engage with others respectfully, how to listen more effectively, and how to navigate difficult conversations—are essential for creating a more empathetic, open-minded, and connected population.
It’s clear that we need more spaces like these, where we can engage with one another in meaningful ways, share our perspectives, and learn how to respectfully disagree. I encourage anyone looking to expand their skills in these areas to consider participating in future Interactivity Foundation workshops and programs.
About the Collaborative Discussion Project
The Collaborative Discussion Project is an IF project that provides free tools and activities that support collaborative discussion, as well as coach training. If you’d like to introduce these skills in your own community or learn more about hosting a workshop or specialty Certificate Program, reach out to us.
👉 Start using the free Collaborative Discussion Toolkit
👉 Join a free webinar for an Introduction to the Toolkit, or a workshop to deepen your skills
👉 Attend our July or September online CDP coach training to become a CDP Coach and deliver customized certificate programs
👉 Contact us for support running a workshop for your team or group
👉 Subscribe to the Collaborative Discussion Project newsletter for Toolkit activities, tips and tricks every Monday
👉 Donate to the Interactivity Foundation to keep supporting valuable dialogue work and programs
