The Dialogic Classroom Workshop: Higher Ed Faculty

Designed especially for higher education instructors, this workshop will give you the tools and techniques to improve the quality of class discussions, create a more inclusive environment, foster curiosity as the driver of learning, help students feel more connected to the school community, and create a more cohesive class environment, all while improving academic performance. (Middle and high school educators click here.)

In humanities and STEM fields, in community colleges and Ivy League universities, hundreds of educators have been equipped to lead more open, productive discussions about divisive issues—topics like the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza, race and history, partisanship and democracy, the role of guns in American life, gender identity, and more.

The benefits of EP's Dialogic Classroom approach have been broad and deep. Our research has found measurable outcomes, including:

• Better retention of the course content
• More consistent, constructive class participation
• Greater social and emotional competency
• The ability to hold conversations across differences
• A stronger sense of community belonging

The building blocks to a dialogic classroom can be adapted to your course and teaching style, whether it's a big lecture hall or a small seminar, in person or online.

Looking for a basic introduction to Essential Partners’ theory and framework? Consider attending Intro to Dialogue Across Differences.

Already an experienced facilitator who’s familiar with EP’s approach? Take a look at our Advanced Facilitation Skills workshop.

Find both Intro to Dialogue Across Differences and Advanced Facilitation Skills on the EP workshop calendar.

Accreditation and Continuing Education

Essential Partners provides a certificate upon completion of the workshop that can be used to support a request for professional development credits.

Scholarships

Essential Partners provides a limited number of partial or full scholarships for each workshop it hosts. A member of the staff will inform applicants of their decisions six weeks prior to the workshop date; applicants will confirm their acceptance by registering online. Scholarships are granted based on two criteria: financial need; and  potential for impact on a community level.

Fill out this form to apply for a scholarship.

Cancellation Policies

If you must cancel, please do so as far in advance as possible. Cancellations are subject to a $25 administration fee plus an additional $25 to process credit card refunds (if you paid by credit card). Refunds will be issued to the original payment method.

To receive any refund your cancellation must be made at least 2 weeks before the event or workshop date. Essential Partners is under no obligation to offer any refund or credit if you cancel within two weeks of an event or workshop. If you need to cancel due to a medical emergency or other emergency reason, please call (617) 923-1216 or email training@whatisessential.org as soon as possible.

In some instances, Essential Partners must cancel a workshop due to low enrollment, faculty illness, or other reason. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel a workshop, we will give you 7-10 days notice. If the workshop is canceled, Essential Partners will issue you a full refund of the registration fee, with no administration fees withheld.