SNF Paideia Resources
Dialogue Resources
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 make 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
Making Space for Emotion
Strategies for honoring the whole person + helping facilitators and participants cope with the emotions that arise in dialogue.
Managing Dialogue
Responding to Current Events
When Emotions Run High
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.