Working with differences – holding space for difficult conversations
When teaching controversial or sensitive topics teachers need to bring themselves into the room and work with the differences that emerge. In this workshop, we explore how to hold space for disagreement and practise dialogue using actual differences in the group. Drawing on principles from Deep Democracy and non-violent communication, we look at what helps educators to navigate tension, silence, and conflict. You leave with practical tools and more confidence to work with differences.
Course details
Originally, the Deep Democracy method is designed to make better decisions. A deep democratic decision is not only motivated by the majority vote. It is shaped with the ‘wisdom of the minority votes’, so that the perspectives of the 1 – 49% percent of people that voted different are used to enhance our decision-making process. The result is a qualitatively better decision that is supported by every group member.
To be able to make these kinds of decisions it is necessary to actively look for differences and get all perspectives on the table. By doing so we can than have ‘the right conversation’. Using principles from the deep democracy method we can therefore enhance decision making processes as well as having better discussions. Better discussions and better decisions can also have a huge impact on our education and result in more inclusive education.
In this workshop you will be introduced to the theoretical principles that underlie the deep democracy method, experience deep democratic practices and identify tips and tricks to use in your classroom.
Intended learning outcome
- Formulating core principles of the Lewis method of Deep Democracy
- Experience how differences can enrich conversations and decisions
- Examining your own assumptions on perspective taking
Good to know
| Target audience | UvA teaching staff | |
| Prior knowledge | The workshop builds on your teaching experience of working in and with student groups | |
| Language | English and Dutch (see dates) | |
| Trainer | Erjo Beitler (TLC Central) | |
| Participants | Minimum of 8, maximum of 20 participants | |
| Location | At one of our UvA locations (see Registration). | |
| Dates |
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| Organised by | TLC Central |
Registration
The course is funded from central funds. Signing up is not non-committal, we will count on your participation.
- Registration buttons for employees with an @UvA.nl email address:
- For AUC, ACTA or FdG (AMC) employees: send an email with your name, faculty and date for which you want to register to tlc-centraal@uva.nl
After registering, you will receive an automated invitation for your Outlook calendar. If there are multiple dates, you’ll get a separate invitation for each (please don’t forget to accept). If the location is not yet known at that time, an update will follow later.
A proof of participation is available upon request. Please send an email to tlc-centraal@uva.nl after the course.
More information?