Dialogue Resources
The resources below have been developed by the SNF Paideia program to support teachers, facilitators, and workplace/community leaders in planning and facilitating effective dialogues. These are designed to be broadly relevant and applicable for many different dialogue contexts, topics, purposes, and populations. These resources do not mandate a singular model or goal for dialogic engagement. They do however reflect our core SNF Paideia values for dialogue work: intentionality, curiosity, humility, and community.
You are welcome to use any of these materials and to share them with your students and colleagues! Please do not modify these documents or remove any attributions to SNF Paideia or to named creators, scholars, and collaborators.
We would love to hear from you about how you are using and adapting these resources! Please reach out to Dialogue Director Dr. Sarah Ropp at sropp@upenn.edu with your feedback and suggestions for current and future resources.
Building the Foundation for Dialogue
Building Community in Dialogue — create a sense of community and trust through intentional check-ins
Curating the Environment — design a space that is welcoming and inclusive
Effective Norms — establish accountability through meaningful community agreements
The Art of the Dialogue Question Set — craft questions that will lead to dialogue, not debate
Reflection and Synthesis — help participants process and making meaning of dialogue through a well-designed “exit ticket” activity
Facilitating Effectively
Getting Everyone to Talk — strategies for more democratic and inclusive engagement
Structures for Dialogue — a menu of dialogue formats in 4 different modes
Making Space for Emotions — strategies for honoring the whole person + helping facilitators and participants cope with the emotions that arise in dialogue
Managing Dialogue –– common problem behaviors and how to respond to them
Responding to Current Events
When Emotions Run High — options for addressing what’s happening beyond the classroom or office
Structures for Processing Current Events — 2 activity guides inspired by the work of superstar educators Gloria González López and Sara K. Ahmed
Resources to Share and Use with Participants
Getting Ready to Dialogue — a primer to promote reflection + provide concrete strategies and scripts ahead of engaging in dialogue
Thinking About Harm — a glossary + discussion questions to help participants create a shared understanding
Practicing Presence — a set of mindfulness exercises to help participants cope with dialogue
Radio Paideia Spotify channel – a series of playlists facilitators can use to enhance and guide dialogue through music. Click “FOLLOW.”
Dialogue Event Planning
Essential Elements for Dialogue Planning — a snapshot summary of the major elements to consider and plan for when conceiving a dialogue event or workshop
The WHY: Defining a Purpose for Dialogue — determining the kind of conversation you want to have, and what you hope participants will feel, know, or do as a result of it
The WHAT: Objectives for Dialogue — identifying the concrete, scaffolded actions that participants will take towards the realization of your purpose
The WHO: Participants and Partners for Dialogue — envisioning your ideal participants, recruiting and preparing them, and considering other partners you may bring in
The HOW: Formats and Modes for Dialogue — choosing structures that make sense for your purpose and your participants