EngageDialogue Resources

SNF Paideia Resources

Dialogue Resources

Developed by the SNF Paideia Program to support teachers, facilitators, and workplace/community leaders in planning and facilitating effective dialogues.

Students at the spring 2024 Capstone Dialogue & Symposium sitting together in a circle engaged in dialogue.
Fellows at the spring 2024 Capstone Dialogue & Symposium event.

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.

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Curating the Environment

Design a space that is welcoming and inclusive.

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Effective Norms

Establish accountability through meaningful community agreements.

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The Art of the Dialogue Question Set

Craft questions that will lead to dialogue, not debate.

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Reflection and Synthesis

Help participants process and making meaning of dialogue through a well-designed “exit ticket” activity.

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Facilitating Effectively

Getting Everyone to Talk

Strategies for more democratic and inclusive engagement.

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Structures for Dialogue
A menu of dialogue formats in 4 different modes.

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Making Space for Emotions

Strategies for honoring the whole person + helping facilitators and participants cope with the emotions that arise in dialogue.

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Managing Dialogue
Common problem behaviors and how to respond to them.

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Responding to Current Events

When Emotions Run High

Options for addressing what’s happening beyond the classroom or office.

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Structures for Processing Current Events

2 activity guides inspired by the work of superstar educators Gloria González López and Sara K. Ahmed.

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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.

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Thinking About Harm

A glossary + discussion questions to help participants create a shared understanding.

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Practicing Presence

A set of mindfulness exercises to help participants cope with dialogue.

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Radio Paideia Spotify channel

A series of playlists facilitators can use to enhance and guide dialogue through music. Click “FOLLOW.”

Listen Here

 

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.

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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.

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The WHAT: Objectives for Dialogue

Identifying the concrete, scaffolded actions that participants will take towards the realization of your purpose.

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The WHO: Participants and Partners for Dialogue

Envisioning your ideal participants, recruiting and preparing them, and considering other partners you may bring in.

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The HOW: Formats and Modes for Dialogue

Choosing structures that make sense for your purpose and your participants.

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