Colleges are becoming increasingly polarized, and it’s never been so important to encourage students to engage in meaningful dialogue across difference. As political, social, and cultural divides deepen, universities are uniquely positioned to help students navigate these conversations with respect and understanding.

Yet, fostering civil discourse in Higher Education (HE) isn’t always easy. Students often avoid tough conversations – whether out of fear of being judged, discomfort with disagreement, or a simple lack of confidence in expressing their views. For educators and Student Affairs professionals, the challenge is clear: how do we get students to engage with one another across divides, and more importantly, how do we make these conversations productive?

This article outlines practical, effective strategies to engage students in civil discourse, making these crucial conversations a natural and rewarding part of campus life.

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Why Civil Discourse Matters in Higher Education

Civil discourse isn’t just about politeness – it embodies the very mission of universities: the effective exchange of ideas. Engaging thoughtfully with differing perspectives, challenging ideas without attacking people, and developing empathy are essential components of a vibrant academic environment. In an increasingly polarized world, cultivating these skills is more important than ever.

For students, mastering civil discourse promotes critical thinking, helping them succeed in diverse work environments and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society. It also enhances their personal lives, helping them build deeper, more respectful relationships. By promoting these skills, universities prepare students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

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Understanding the Challenges

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to recognize the challenges. Recent studies have found that college students are not only polarized, they’re reluctant to spend any time with someone of different political views. This makes engaging students on this topic difficult.

Many students hesitate to engage in conversations about sensitive topics. Whether it’s fear of offending someone or being on the receiving end of backlash, the risks can seem high. The digital world often adds to the problem, reinforcing echo chambers where only similar views are heard, leaving little room for thoughtful disagreement. So how can we break these barriers and engage students in civil discourse that truly matters? The following strategies offer a starting point.

Strategies to Engage Students in Civil Discourse

Make It Relevant to Students' Lives

One of the best ways to engage students in meaningful dialogue is to tie conversations to issues that directly impact them. Whether it’s social justice movements, campus policies, or current affairs, students are far more likely to participate when the topics feel personal and relevant.

For example, connect classroom discussions to current events or issues they see playing out on social media. Bring in their own lived experiences – whether it's navigating political conversations with friends or facing cultural differences on campus. By making it clear how these discussions matter in their daily lives, students will feel more invested in participating.

Be Brief and Clear

Students have busy schedules and increasing demands on their attention, so brevity and clarity are key in civil discourse education. Keep discussions focused and to the point to prevent them from becoming overwhelming or derailing into unrelated topics.

Though going into detail might be tempting in an attempt to get as much information to students as possible, lengthy learning materials run the risk of losing the attention of students altogether. Instead, offer content that they can easily fit into their busy schedules. 

Speak Their Language

To truly engage students, it’s important to meet them where they are. This means using language that resonates with them, avoiding overly formal or academic jargon, and instead opting for a conversational tone that feels approachable.

Speak to them in ways that reflect how they communicate in their daily lives – casual, conversational, and relatable. When civil discourse feels like a natural extension of how students already talk, it becomes far less intimidating.

Incorporate Interactivity

Engagement flourishes when students feel actively involved in the educational materials, and interactive elements like quizzes and gamification have been shown to improve engagement and knowledge retention.

Interactive activities allow students to engage without the pressure of being in the spotlight, encouraging them to test their views and adjust their perspectives in a low–stakes environment. For example, a quiz question prompting students to reflect on their own beliefs or experiences can spark critical thinking and self-awareness.

Use Technology

Students are constantly on their phones, and this creates an opportunity to meet them where they already are – through mobile-friendly educational materials.

By offering learning materials directly on the devices students use most, you create a familiar and comfortable environment that encourages participation. This approach taps into their existing habits, making learning feel more intuitive and accessible. Integrating education into mobile platforms ensures students can engage with civil discourse at their own pace – whether it’s during a break between classes or while scrolling through their feeds.

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Conclusion: The Long-Term Benefits of Fostering Civil Discourse

Helping students develop the skills to engage in civil discourse is essential to their growth both during and after their time at college. When students learn to navigate difficult conversations with respect, clarity, and empathy, they not only become better learners but also more thoughtful, capable citizens.

By focusing on relevance, clarity, language, interactivity, and technology, HE professionals can create an environment where civil discourse thrives, setting students up for success in a diverse and complex world.

About GoodCourse

Universities trust GoodCourse to improve student outcomes by delivering impactful training courses, built for today’s students – by pairing social-media-style content with expert research.

From consent and harassment prevention to speaking across differences, GoodCourse provides students and staff with the tools they need to build safer, more inclusive learning communities.

Talk to a member of our team today to learn about how other universities are improving student outcomes, student safety, and meeting regulatory requirements.

FAQ:

How can civil discourse benefit students outside of college?
By engaging in civil discourse, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to navigate differing viewpoints. These skills are crucial not just in the workplace, where diverse teams require effective collaboration, but also in personal relationships and civic engagement, where respectful dialogue can lead to better understanding and problem-solving.

How do you make civil discourse relevant to students' lives?
Connecting civil discourse to real-world issues that students care about – like social justice movements, current events, or campus debates – makes it more relatable and engaging. When students see how these conversations impact their daily lives and future, they’re more likely to participate meaningfully.

What role does technology play in fostering civil discourse?
Technology allows students to engage in civil discourse in environments they’re already comfortable with – on their phones, through apps, or on social media. These platforms offer low-pressure, moderated spaces where students can practice respectful dialogue, learn from others, and contribute at their own pace.