Category: Lessons to Develop Skills

Overview: This simulation introduces students to third-party mediation. Students will role-play a scenario in which two parties are in conflict and need help from an outside mediator. 

Overview: This activity introduces students to very basic negotiation. Negotiation is a vital skill for leadership, professional development, and civic engagement, and it can help people reduce destructive conflict and tackle shared challenges. To practice factors of negotiation, students will be assigned to take on one of two roles in a simulated negotiation between a student and the principal of a school. 

Overview: This exercise prompts students to practice engaging in conversation over challenging topics. With practice, students can learn skills for being active participants in conversations with people of different perspectives and viewpoints. 

Overview: This is a simple exercise for students to practice exchanging views with people who have different perspectives and opinions. 

 Overview: Many times, when students are asked to do research or collect information, conducting an interview may be an option. This activity asks students to thoughtfully plan their interview considering types of questions and thinking through (in advance) how the interview might go. It allows students the opportunity to participate in a collaborative brainstorming exercise, demonstrating the value of many perspectives in planning. 

Overview: This activity connects a fascinating Ted Talk from award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi with an exercise in media literacy and anti-bias. In Part 1, students watch Ngozi’s Ted Talk and respond to and discuss reflection questions. Teachers can end there or use Part 1 as a jumping-off point for a follow-up exercise in media literacy included below. 

 Overview: 

This short lesson introduces students to basic concepts and practices for communicating in a cooperative manner. Cooperative communication requires skills like active listening, effective speaking, thoughtful question-asking, and receptive body language. This lesson includes a student handout on cooperative communication skills and an accompanying exercise for applying active listening to real-life scenarios.