How to lead difficult conversations in international education

International education brings together students and staff from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. While this diversity is one of the many strengths of international education, it can also lead to difficult conversations in the classroom and beyond.

As a teacher or other member of the teaching staff, it’s essential to know how to lead these conversations in a way that is productive and respectful for all involved. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies for leading difficult conversations in international education.

Establish ground rules

Before diving into a difficult conversation, it is important to establish ground rules for the discussion. This can include things like asking participants to be respectful and open-minded, encouraging active listening, and setting guidelines for how the conversation will be structured.

By establishing ground rules at the outset, you can create a safe and productive space for discussion.

Acknowledge cultural differences

When leading difficult conversations in international education, it is important to acknowledge cultural differences and how they may impact the conversation. This can include recognising that some cultures may have different communication styles or norms around discussing certain topics.

By acknowledging these differences, you can help to create a more inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected.

Encourage active listening

Active listening is a key skill for any difficult conversation. This means listening to what others are saying without judgment or interruption, and reflecting on their perspectives before responding.

Encouraging active listening can help to foster empathy and understanding among participants, and can lead to more productive outcomes.

Use open-ended questions

Open-ended questions can help to keep the conversation flowing and encourage participants to share their perspectives. These types of questions can also help to avoid assumptions or misunderstandings, and can lead to deeper and more meaningful discussions.

Examples of open-ended questions include “Can you tell me more about your perspective on this issue?” or “How do you think we can work together to address this problem?”

Embrace discomfort

Difficult conversations can be uncomfortable, but it is important to embrace this discomfort as part of the learning process. Encourage participants to lean into the discomfort and to view it as an opportunity for growth and understanding. By doing so, you can help to create a culture of openness and learning within the classroom or school community.

In conclusion, leading difficult conversations in international education requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. By establishing ground rules, acknowledging cultural differences, encouraging active listening, using open-ended questions, and embracing discomfort, you can help to create a safe and productive space for difficult conversations to take place.

By doing so, you can foster empathy, understanding, and growth among all members of your school community.