Conversations with Students: Tips for Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Reframe and Renew

• Adjust the way you consider a situation– “How will I help this kid? What can he learn

during this conversation?” – “How will I support and maintain our high

standards?”– Breathe! Take an appreciative moment.

Welcome: “What brings you here today?”

Listen: Bring openness and curiosity to your listening.

• Question: Use the Three Lenses (The Energy Project/Tony Schwartz)(www.theenergyproject.com)– Reverse Lens: What would the other person

say/feel about this situation?– “How might your teacher be right about

requesting that cell phones be put away?”

• Question: Use the Three Lenses (The Energy Project)www.theenergyproject.com

• Long Lens: How do you think you’ll feel about this cell phone incidence in 6 months?

• Wide Lens: How can you grow and learn from this situation?

• Closing the conversation:Congratulate the student for his respectful, calm self-advocacy (a successful student strategy)

“Even though the outcome wasn’t what you had hoped for, you should be proud of yourself that you came to see me and engaged in a meaningful dialogue. This will serve you well as you continue your studies.”